25 Best Side Hustles for Students in India for Side Earnings

Looking for ways to earn extra money as a student? Side hustles can be a great solution! There are numerous opportunities to leverage your skills and interests. Whether you’re looking for flexibility or a chance to explore your passions, these side hustles offer a pathway to boost your income while juggling your academic commitments. Discover the top side hustles for students and start earning today!

List of Top 25 Side Hustles for Students in India

1. Affiliate Marketing

Potential Earning	₹2.5 LPA (AmbitionBox)
Skills Required	Digital Marketing Knowledge and Skills, Content Creation and Copywriting, Analytical and Data Interpretation Skills, Relationship Building and Networking
Time Needed	3-4 Hours/Day

Affiliate marketing is a popular and accessible online earning option for students. It involves promoting products or services from various brands within your network and earning a commission whenever an order is placed through your affiliate link.

The best part is that starting affiliate marketing requires no upfront investment. Choose a niche that interests you and sign up for an affiliate network like EarnKaro. Share deals and offers from brands within your chosen niche to your network. You’ll earn a commission for every purchase made through your affiliate link. The commission rate may vary from brand to brand.

With affiliate marketing, you have the flexibility to promote products you genuinely believe in and that resonate with your audience. It’s a great way to monetize your network and earn passive income while pursuing your studies.

2. Virtual Assistant

Potential Earning	₹3.1 LPA (AmbitionBox)
Skills Required	Effective Communication, Time Management and Organization, Tech Savviness and Digital Tools Proficiency, Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
Time Needed	3-4 Hours/Day

With the increasing interconnectedness brought about by the internet, there has been a significant rise in the availability of remote work opportunities. One such popular role is that of a “virtual assistant.” Virtual assistants provide a range of services, including data entry, social media management, formatting, editing, and more. These online side hustles offer students a chance to earn passive income without the need for commuting or face-to-face interactions.

3. Podcast

Potential Earning	No limit
Skills Required	Content Creation and Storytelling, Audio Recording and Editing, Interviewing and Hosting, Marketing and Promotion, Technical Proficiency and Troubleshooting
Time Needed	4-5 Hours/Day

One prominent opportunity that shouldn’t be overlooked when discussing online side hustles for college students is podcasting. The popularity of podcasts has steadily grown, attracting a larger audience each year. Like social networking and blogging, podcasting has become a fundamental element of online content. Therefore, starting a podcast can be a viable option if you want to augment your income.

4. Tutoring

Potential Earning	₹2.9 LPA (AmbitionBox)
Skills Required	Subject Matter Expertise, Effective Communication, Adaptability and Flexibility, Patience and Empathy, Organizational and Time Management Skills
Time Needed	4-5 Hours/Day

Tutoring is an incredibly fulfilling side hustle that offers financial benefits and the opportunity to support other students in their academic endeavours. It allows you to set your schedule and rates, providing flexibility in earning money while developing valuable skills.

Whether you teach core subjects like mathematics, English, or sciences or focus on subjects you’re passionate about, tutoring enables you to earn income from a topic you genuinely enjoy.

Moreover, the availability of online tutoring platforms makes it convenient to teach either in person or online. These platforms offer accessible and efficient ways to connect with students and provide instruction remotely.

Beyond the financial rewards, tutoring introduces you to a diverse range of individuals, fostering the possibility of creating lasting friendships and valuable connections within your network.

5. Sell Stock Photos

Potential Earning	$0.02 per image per month (photutorial)
Skills Required	Photography Skills and Composition, Photo Editing and Post-Processing, Understanding Market Trends and Audience, Legal and Copyright Knowledge, Marketing and Branding
Time Needed	3-4 Hours/Day

For aspiring photographers, selling your photos can be a lucrative side hustle. By dedicating time and effort, you can create a portfolio of high-quality images buyers are eager to purchase for their projects.

There are numerous online platforms available where you can sell your photos. It’s recommended to capture a diverse range of subjects and styles in your portfolio, as this increases the chances of selling more photos.

While a professional camera is ideal for taking stock photos, it’s worth noting that many smartphones today are equipped with excellent cameras capable of capturing stunning pictures.

6. Blogging

Potential Earning	No limit
Skills Required	Writing and Editing, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Content Strategy and Planning, Social Media Marketing, Basic Technical Skills (CMS, HTML, CSS)
Time Needed	5-6 Hours/Day

In addition to writing regular college essays, you can leverage your writing skills by starting a blog. Blogging can be profitable, allowing you to earn money through various means, such as affiliate marketing, advertising, or direct product sales on your site.

You can attract an audience and build a following by consistently creating valuable and engaging content. You can promote products or services related to your blog niche through affiliate marketing and earn a commission for each successful referral or sale. Advertising on your blog through display ads or sponsored content can also generate income based on the number of impressions or clicks.

Furthermore, you have the option to sell products directly from your blog. This could include e-books, online courses, merchandise, or other offerings that align with your blog’s topic and cater to your audience’s needs.

Blogging provides a platform to showcase your writing skills and offers the potential to earn a steady income stream as you grow your readership and explore monetization opportunities.

7. Start a YouTube channel

Potential Earning	No limit
Skills Required	Content Creation and Video Production, Understanding YouTube Platform and Algorithms, Audience Engagement and Community Building, Marketing and Promotion, Adaptability and Consistency
Time Needed	5-6 Hours/Day

YouTube can be a highly lucrative side hustle for college students, offering the potential for substantial earnings. Starting your channel and creating engaging content focused on a niche topic can pave the way for monetizing your videos.

Whether you produce software reviews, “faceless” lifestyle videos, or other captivating content, the key is providing value and captivating your audience. Building a dedicated fan base will increase your chances of generating revenue through various monetization methods available on YouTube.

Once your channel meets the requirements, you can apply for the YouTube Partner Program and enable advertisements on your videos. This allows you to earn income based on ad views and clicks. Additionally, you can explore sponsored content opportunities where companies pay you to promote their products or services within your videos.

Furthermore, as your channel grows, you can diversify your income streams by leveraging affiliate marketing, selling merchandise, or creating premium content for your loyal followers.

8. Become a Social Media Manager

Potential Earning	₹4.9 LPA (AmbitionBox)
Skills Required	Strategic Thinking and Planning, Content Creation and Curation, Analytics and Data Interpretation, Community Engagement and Customer Service, Technical Proficiency with Social Media Tools
Time Needed	5-6 Hours/Day

If you spend significant time online, you can transform your digital presence into a lucrative opportunity by becoming a social media marketing manager. You can generate income by managing marketing campaigns by leveraging platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.

As a social media marketing manager, you can assist businesses and individuals in creating and executing effective marketing strategies on these platforms. This may involve developing content plans, optimizing posts, engaging with followers, running advertising campaigns, and analyzing performance metrics.

By demonstrating your expertise in social media management and showcasing successful campaign results, you can attract clients willing to pay for your services. This side hustle lets you monetize your online presence while helping others achieve their marketing goals.

9. Be a Translator

Potential Earning	₹3.5 LPA (AmbitionBox)
Skills Required	Fluency in Multiple Languages, Cultural Understanding, Writing and Composition Skills, Research and Information Gathering, Attention to Detail and Proofreading
Time Needed	4-5 Hours/Day

Fluency in a second language or having a primary language background opens up opportunities to work as a translator, utilizing your linguistic skills. You can leverage your abilities to provide translation services for events or publishing.

As a translator, you can assist in bridging the language gap for various occasions, such as conferences, meetings, or cultural events. You can facilitate effective communication between individuals or groups who speak different languages, ensuring smooth interactions and understanding.

Additionally, there is a demand for translators in the publishing industry. You can work on translating books, articles, or other written materials, making literature and information accessible to a broader audience.

You can attract clients or work with translation agencies that offer assignments matching your language pair by showcasing your language proficiency and expertise. Building a solid reputation for delivering accurate and high-quality translations will help you establish yourself as a reliable translator.

10. Sell Merch

Potential Earning	No limit
Skills Required	Customer Service and Relationship Building, Effective Communication, Product Knowledge and Expertise, Sales and Negotiation Skills, Organization and Time Management
Time Needed	5-6 Hours/Day

From printables to mugs, t-shirts, and other handmade crafts, various avenues are available to sell your merchandise and turn your creativity into a profitable side hustle. Platforms like Etsy provide an online marketplace where you can showcase and sell your unique products. Participating in craft fairs or local events can also offer opportunities to connect with customers and make sales in person.

Moreover, you can explore selling digital goods to generate income. This could include downloadable items such as calendars, deck templates for presentations, self-created fonts, or even stock music that can be licensed for various projects.

11. Become a Graphic Designer 

Potential Earning	₹3.6 LPA (AmbitionBox)
Skills Required	Creativity and Design Skills, Proficiency in Graphic Design Software, Typography and Layout Design, Communication and Collaboration, Time Management and Attention to Detail
Time Needed	5-6 Hours/Day

If you have a graphic art or illustration talent, you can provide your design services freelance for short-term projects. This allows you to showcase your skills and earn income from your creative abilities.

In addition to seeking individual clients, you can also explore opportunities with universities and local organizations. These institutions often require design work for events, promotional materials, or branding initiatives. You can gain valuable experience, expand your portfolio, and establish connections within your local community by offering your services to such organisations.

12. Sell Old Textbooks

Potential Earning	No limit
Skills Required	–
Time Needed	Variable

College textbooks are often in high demand, making them valuable for earning extra money. If you have used textbooks lying around, you can sell them at a secondhand price to generate additional income.

Selling your textbooks can be done through various channels. You can explore online platforms specifically designed for buying and selling textbooks, such as textbook marketplaces or student forums. These platforms connect you with potential buyers who are actively seeking affordable textbooks.

You can also consider advertising your textbooks locally on your college campus or through online classifieds. This allows you to target students directly and provide them with cost-effective alternatives to purchasing new textbooks.

13. Social Media Influencer

Potential Earning	₹4.4 LPA (AmbitionBox)
Skills Required	Content Creation and Creativity, Audience Engagement and Relationship Building, Branding and Consistency, Understanding Social Media Algorithms and Trends, Negotiation and Business Skills
Time Needed	5-6 Hours/Day

Becoming an influencer is a highly popular side hustle among high school students. If you have a significant presence on social media platforms like Instagram, you can monetize your following by becoming an influencer.

As an influencer, you can collaborate with companies and serve as the face of their brand. This involves promoting specific products, services, or even destinations to your audience. Initially, partnerships may involve receiving free items, but as your influence grows, you can earn thousands of rupees for each sponsored post on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and others.

14. Website Testing

Potential Earning	No limit
Skills Required	Technical Proficiency, Functional Testing Skills, Usability and User Experience (UX) Testing, Cross-Browser and Cross-Device Testing, Bug Tracking and Reporting
Time Needed	3-4 Hours/Day

Website testing is a relatively lesser-known side hustle for students, but it can be a lucrative opportunity. Many website owners are interested in gathering feedback from regular visitors to improve user experience and attract more readers. Consequently, they are willing to pay for this valuable data. This makes website testing a straightforward Side hustle option for teenagers & college students to earn extra money.

By participating in website testing, you can provide valuable insights and feedback on various aspects of a website, such as usability, design, navigation, and overall user experience. This feedback helps website owners identify areas for improvement and make necessary changes to enhance the site’s performance.

15. Become A Delivery Driver

Potential Earning	No limit
Skills Required	–
Time Needed	Variable

Working as a delivery driver can be a viable way to earn extra money. Many college students opt for side jobs as couriers, food delivery drivers, or grocery delivery personnel.

As a delivery driver, you have the opportunity to choose from various roles depending on your preferences and availability. Courier services often involve delivering packages or documents, while food delivery services enable you to transport meals from restaurants to customers’ doorsteps. Additionally, grocery delivery services allow you to deliver groceries and essentials to customers’ homes.

16.  Paid Surveys

Potential Earning	No limit
Skills Required	Online Research Skills, Time Management and Organization, Communication and Attention to Detail, Data Privacy and Security Awareness
Time Needed	Variable

Several websites offer payment to individuals who complete online surveys, which are generally quick and straightforward. Participating in online surveys provides a flexible way to earn cash on your own schedule.

To get started, all you need to do is create an account with a reputable survey company. You’ll be asked to provide basic information about yourself, and then you can begin taking surveys—it’s that simple.

For each survey you complete, you will typically earn a few cents as compensation. Payments are often made through platforms like PayPal, eliminating the need to share your bank account details to receive payment.

17. Data Entry

Potential Earning	₹2.1 LPA (AmbitionBox)
Skills Required	Accuracy and Attention to Detail, Keyboarding and Typing Speed, Software and Database Familiarity, Time Management and Organization
Time Needed	3-4 Hours/Day

If you want to make money comfortably from your room, data entry can be an excellent part-time option. It is considered one of the least stressful types of work, as it primarily involves updating or categorizing data on a computer system.

Data entry tasks typically require you to input information accurately and efficiently, following specific guidelines or templates provided by the employer. This work can range from organizing spreadsheets and databases to transcribing data from various sources.

18. Freelance Writing

Potential Earning	₹4.4 LPA (AmbitionBox)
Skills Required	Exceptional Writing Skills, Research Skills, Time Management and Discipline, Understanding of SEO and Online Writing, Communication and Client Relationship Building
Time Needed	4-5 Hours/Day

The demand for content is constantly growing, and with the internet, finding opportunities has become more accessible. Content writing offers flexibility, allowing you to secure one-time assignments or part-time positions based on your availability.

Here are some steps to get started with freelance content writing:

1. Identify your niche: Determine the areas or subjects you specialize in or enjoy writing about. 

2. Build your portfolio: Develop a portfolio that showcases your writing skills and expertise. 

3. Set your rates: Research industry standards and determine how much you want to charge for your writing services. 

4. Create a professional website: Establish an online presence by building a website that highlights your services, portfolio, and contact information. 

5. Network and market yourself:

• Reach out to potential clients.
• Join online communities and forums related to writing.
• Utilize social media platforms to promote your services.

6. Use freelance platforms: Consider signing up for freelance platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr, where you can find writing gigs posted by clients. 

7. Deliver high-quality work: When you secure a project, ensure you understand the client’s requirements and deliver high-quality content within the agreed-upon deadline.

19. Launch Your Etsy Storefront

If you’ve got a bit of spare time and a creative flair, Etsy is a fantastic platform to turn your artistic talent into some extra cash. Setting up your Etsy profile is a breeze, and then you can showcase and sell your homemade goodies like greeting cards, cozy crocheted scarves, and whatever else your creative mind dreams up!

And don’t worry if you’re not the crafty type—there’s still a place for you on Etsy. Check out local garage sales and estate sales to discover hidden gems, unique finds, and interesting treasures. Resell them on your Etsy page, and you’ve got a fun and potentially profitable venture right at your fingertips!

Potential Earning	No limit
Skills Required	Creativity and Craftsmanship, Business and Entrepreneurial Acumen, Customer Service and Communication, Online Marketing and Branding, Time Management and Organization
Time Needed	Variable

20. AI jobs

The world of artificial intelligence (AI) is booming, and if you’ve got AI skills and know your way around this exciting field, there are some side hustle opportunities waiting for you.

If your major is in computer science, data science, or artificial intelligence, you’re in the perfect position to dive into this growing demand. You could be working on creating super-smart AI chatbots and virtual assistants that make life easier for people.

But that’s not all! There are plenty of other gigs in AI, like being a machine learning engineer, a data scientist, or an AI consultant.

Potential Earning	₹20 LPA (Payscale)
Skills Required	Programming and Coding, Machine Learning and Data Analysis, Mathematics and Statistics, Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking, Understanding of AI Tools and Frameworks
Time Needed	Variable

21. Editor or Proofreader

If you’re someone who notices the small stuff and loves grammar, diving into editing or proofreading can be a great side gig. Imagine going through written content, polishing it up to make sure it’s spot on and easy to understand.

If you’ve studied English, journalism, or communications, you’re already on a great path towards becoming an editor or proofreader. Having that language know-how is awesome, but here’s a tip: if you can also chat about technical stuff, it opens doors to some specialized editing gigs.

Potential Earning	₹3.4 LPA (AmbitionBox)
Skills Required	Language Proficiency and Grammar Skills, Attention to Detail, Analytical Thinking and Critical Analysis, Communication Skills, Adaptability and Flexibility
Time Needed	4-5 Hours/day

22. Web Development

Web development is a hot skill right now, and students who know their way around coding can turn it into a side gig.

If you’re into computer science, software engineering, or anything tech-related, you’ve got a head start. These majors give you the know-how to dive into the world of web development.

So as a web developer, you create and look after websites for clients, making sure they work like a charm and look super awesome.

Potential Earning	₹4.2 LPA (AmbitionBox)
Skills Required	Proficiency in Programming Languages, Understanding of Web Development Frameworks and Libraries, Knowledge of Backend Development, Database Management and Version Control Systems, Problem-Solving and Debugging Skills
Time Needed	4-5 Hours/day

23. Pet Sitting/Dog Walking

Pet sitting and dog walking are fantastic ways for animal lovers to make money while caring for furry friends. Pet sitting involves looking after pets, while dog walking means taking dogs on fun walks, making life easier for busy pet owners. It’s all about spending quality time with adorable animals!

Potential Earning	₹2.4 LPA (Indeed)
Skills Required	–
Time Needed	2-3 Hours/day

24. Resume/CV Writing

Helping people with their resumes and cover letters is a fantastic side gig, especially if you’re good with words and know what employers love to see. Writing, tweaking, and making those resumes and cover letters sparkle for job seekers is the name of the game.

Plus, it’s not just about words; it’s about being the guiding star in their job hunt. You offer personalized advice, nifty tips, and even some interview magic to help them shine.

Potential Earning	₹3.9 LPA (AmbitionBox)
Skills Required	Understanding of Job Market and Industries, Language Proficiency and Clarity, Formatting and Design
Time Needed	4-5 Hours/day

25. Remote Internships

Remote internships are like a gold mine for students, offering a chance to learn and grow from the comfort of their own space.

You can look for remote internships on job boards, check out company websites, and explore specialized internship platforms.

Remember to spread the word! Connect with professors, alumni, and professionals in your industry circle. They might hold the key to a remote internship.

Potential Earning	No limit
Skills Required	–
Time Needed	Variable

Last but not least, We have also covered some of the easiest side hustles for women in India. Do give it a read.

Conclusion

Side hustles give students valuable opportunities to earn extra money, gain practical experience, and explore their passions. Whether freelancing, tutoring, podcasting, or engaging in other online ventures, students can leverage their skills and interests to create a sustainable income stream. Students can alleviate financial burdens, develop valuable skills, and expand their professional network by pursuing these side hustles. So, don’t hesitate to dive into the world of side hustles and unlock your potential for success.\

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