In recent years, the gig economy has gained tremendous traction in India, with more individuals exploring side hustles to supplement their income. The economy in India refers to the trend of individuals working flexible jobs. In India, 15 million workers are engaged in various sectors, for example delivery, consulting, blogging, and more.
In this blog guide, we share some of the best side hustle in India to earn money this year.
Side hustle meaning?
A side hustle refers to any work done in addition to your primary job, typically aimed at earning extra income.
Unlike traditional jobs, side hustles offer flexibility and often allow you to pursue your passions. They can vary from freelancing to selling products online and are becoming essential for financial security in today’s economy.
Are Side Hustles Worth It?
One of the main advantages of having a side hustle is the additional income it can provide. Side hustles can provide numerous benefits, such as:
- Extra Income: A side hustle can help you with funds
- Skill Development: Engaging in this can help you learn new skills and gain valuable experience.
- Networking Opportunities: You may meet like-minded individuals and expand your professional network.
35 best side hustles ideas in india
India offers a wealth of side hustle opportunities for diverse skills and interests. Whether you’re a student, a working professional, or a stay-at-home parent, there’s something for everyone.
Here are 35 of the best side hustle ideas that can help you earn extra money while utilizing your talents and creativity.
1. Dropshipping
It is one of the most popular side hustle ideas in India. You don’t need to invest in inventory upfront.
You only purchase products after you make a sale, so it minimizes financial risk.
You can run your dropshipping business from anywhere as long as you have internet access.
This makes it ideal for students or professionals looking to earn extra income.
In India, With countless suppliers available, you can choose from a wide variety of products to sell.
2. Print On Demand
Like dropshipping, Print On Demand eliminates the need for inventory. You only pay for products after a sale is made, reducing financial risk.
Print On Demand allows you to design unique products, from T-shirts to mugs. Platforms like Qikink make it simple to set up an online store, upload your designs, and start selling without any technical expertise.
You don’t need to worry about storage, shipping, and unsold stock. Qikink handles production and fulfillment, allowing you to focus on marketing and design.
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3. Affiliate marketing
Most affiliate programs are free to join, allowing you to start with minimal investment.
You can work from anywhere and choose your hours, making it an ideal choice for students and professionals.
With countless affiliate programs available across various niches—from fashion to tech—you can promote products that align with your interests and audience.
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4. Freelancing
From writing and graphic design to web development and digital marketing, freelancing encompasses a wide range of skills, allowing you to leverage your expertise and helping you learn new ones.
Freelancing platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer connect you with clients from around the world, expanding your earning potential beyond local opportunities.
5. Blogging
Starting a blog requires minimal investment—just a domain name and hosting. Many platforms, like WordPress, offer free or low-cost options to get you started.
Blogging allows you to express your thoughts, share your expertise, and connect with like-minded individuals.
You can write and publish posts at your own pace, making it ideal for those with busy schedules. This flexibility allows you to balance blogging with other commitments.
As you blog, you’ll improve your writing, SEO, and digital marketing skills, which can enhance your professional profile and career prospects.
6. Online courses and coaching
Creating and selling online courses and offering coaching services is a compelling side hustle idea in India.
With the rise of online education in India, there is a significant demand for quality courses and coaching in various subjects, from academics to professional skills.
Creating an online course or coaching program requires minimal investment. You can use platforms like Udemy, Coursera, or Zoom to reach your audience without extensive overhead.
7. Home Bakery
Starting a bakery business can be an excellent side hustle in India.
With the rise in celebrations and events, the demand for baked goods like cakes, pastries, and snacks is increasing.
You can start small from home with minimal equipment and gradually scale as your business grows.
Offering personalized cakes and baked goods for birthdays, weddings, and events can attract more customers.
8. Start a YouTube channel
Starting a YouTube channel is a fantastic side hustle idea in India. YouTube is one of the most popular platforms in India, with millions of users looking for different content.
This growing audience provides good opportunities to gain views and subscribers. Creating a YouTube channel requires minimal investment.
A smartphone or a basic camera, along with editing software, is often enough to get started.
You can choose from a wide range of topics, whether it’s tutorials, vlogs, gaming, cooking, or lifestyle content.
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9. Tutoring
There is a consistent demand for tutoring across subjects and grades. You can choose your own schedule and work hours, allowing you to balance tutoring with other commitments.
Starting a tutoring business often requires minimal investment—just your knowledge and some basic teaching materials. You can even begin to go online, reducing travel costs.
10. Sell stock photos
With the rise of digital content, businesses and individuals increasingly need high-quality images for websites, blogs, and marketing materials, creating a strong demand for stock photos.
If you enjoy photography, this side hustle allows you to express your creativity while earning money.
You can focus on subjects that interest you, from landscapes to food or lifestyle.
Once you upload your photos to stock platforms like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock, they can generate income over time with minimal ongoing effort, providing a source of passive income.
11. Social media management
As businesses increasingly recognize the importance of online presence, the demand for social media managers continues to grow. Many small and medium-sized enterprises seek professional help to enhance their social media strategies.
You can work with a wide range of clients across various industries, from startups to established brands, allowing you to gain experience and expand your portfolio.
12. Influencer
With millions of active users on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook, there’s a massive audience eager for engaging content, creating numerous opportunities for aspiring influencers.
You can express yourself through various content types, whether it’s fashion, travel, fitness, or lifestyle, allowing you to pursue your passions while building your brand.
Successful influencers can monetize their platforms through sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, merchandise sales, and collaborations, leading to significant income opportunities.
13. Clothing line
India’s fashion industry is rapidly expanding, with a rising demand for unique and trendy clothing.
You can start small with limited designs or a specific niche, gradually scaling your business as you gain traction. Options like print-on-demand can help minimize upfront costs.
The rise of online shopping platforms and social media marketing makes it easier to reach a broader audience without the need for a physical store.
14. Graphic design
Nowadays, businesses increasingly need eye-catching graphics for social media, websites, and advertising, creating a strong demand for graphic designers.
You can start as a graphic designer with just a computer and design software (many of which are available for free or at a low cost). For example, Canva’s intuitive drag-and-drop design interface makes it easy for both beginners and experienced designers to create stunning visuals quickly without extensive training.
This makes it accessible to anyone with the right skills. Working with different clients allows you to build a professional network, which can lead to referrals and future projects.
15. Content Writing
With the rise of digital marketing, businesses need high-quality content for websites, blogs, social media, and more, creating a steady demand for skilled content writers.
Content writing allows you to work from anywhere and set your own hours, making it easy to balance with other commitments like a job or studies.
16. Photography
With the rise of social media and digital marketing, there’s a growing need for high-quality images for businesses, events, and personal branding.
Photography allows you to express your artistic vision and creativity, whether through portraits, landscapes, product photography, or events.
You can schedule shoots around your existing commitments, making it easy to balance with a full-time job or studies.
17. Podcast
Podcasts are gaining immense popularity in India, with an increasing number of listeners looking for diverse content, from storytelling and interviews to educational topics.
Podcasts allow you to explore your interests and passions, whether it’s discussing current events, sharing stories, or interviewing guests, giving you full creative control.
Podcasting provides a platform to connect with guests and industry experts, helping you build valuable relationships that can enhance your career.
18. Web development
As businesses increasingly move online, the demand for skilled web developers continues to rise.
Companies need websites, e-commerce platforms, and web applications, creating numerous opportunities.
The field of web development is constantly evolving, offering opportunities to learn new technologies and frameworks, which keeps the work exciting and engaging.
Web development lends itself well to freelancing, allowing you to take on projects that fit your schedule and lifestyle.
19. Website tester
With the growing number of websites and applications, companies need testers to ensure their platforms are user-friendly and free of bugs, creating a steady demand for website testers.
You don’t need advanced technical skills to start testing websites. Basic computer skills and an understanding of user experience can be sufficient for entry-level positions.
As you gain experience, you can specialize in areas like usability testing, performance testing, or mobile app testing, allowing for career advancement and increased earnings.
20. Digital Marketing
With businesses increasingly moving online, the demand for digital marketing professionals continues to grow.
Companies need help with SEO, social media, email marketing, and more.
The field has various specializations, including content marketing, social media management, SEO, and analytics, allowing you to focus on areas that interest you.
21. Ebook author
Becoming an ebook author is an excellent side hustle idea in India.
With the rise of digital reading, more people are turning to ebooks for education, entertainment, and self-improvement, creating a robust market for authors. Once published, an ebook can continue to generate sales over time with little ongoing effort, providing a source of passive income.
Writing an ebook helps you enhance your writing, research, and marketing skills, which can be beneficial for other professional pursuits.
22. Take online surveys
Joining survey platforms is typically free and requires minimal setup. You can get started quickly without any special skills or experience.
Participating in surveys doesn’t require a long-term commitment. You can choose how often and when you want to engage, making it easy to fit into your routine.
Many survey platforms offer rewards in the form of cash, gift cards, or other incentives, adding an element of fun and motivation.
23. Copywriting
Starting a copywriting career typically requires minimal investment.
You can work across various industries, crafting content for different formats such as blogs, email campaigns, and product descriptions, allowing you to explore diverse topics.
Copywriting combines high demand, flexibility, and the potential for income growth, making it a highly appealing side hustle in India.
24. Ecommerce
The eCommerce market in India is booming, with an increasing number of consumers shopping online for convenience.
You can start an eCommerce business with minimal investment.
Platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce and marketplaces like Amazon and Flipkart allow you to set up shop without significant upfront costs.
You can choose to sell a wide variety of products, from handmade crafts to digital goods or dropshipping items, allowing you to explore different niches.
25. App developer
With the increasing reliance on smartphones, businesses and individuals are continually seeking mobile apps for various purposes, leading to a strong demand for skilled app developers.
You can work on a variety of projects, from developing games to utility apps or business solutions, allowing you to explore different areas of interest.
If you create your own apps, you can generate passive income through in-app purchases, subscriptions, or advertisements.
26. Virtual Assistant
As businesses increasingly operate online, the need for virtual assistants to handle administrative tasks, customer service, and social media management is growing.
Working as a virtual assistant helps you enhance organisational, communication, and technical skills, which are valuable in many professional fields.
27. Selling products online
You can start selling products online with minimal investment.
Platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and Flipkart allow you to set up your store without significant upfront costs.
You can sell a wide range of products, from handmade items to dropshipping goods.
Once your online store is established, it can generate sales even while you’re not actively working, especially if you automate processes like Print On Demand order fulfillment.
28. Freelance Digital Services
There’s a strong demand for digital services like graphic design, content writing, social media management, and web development.
Freelancing allows you to set your own hours and choose your projects, making it easy to balance with other commitments.
Freelancing in digital services combines high demand, flexibility, and growth potential, making it a highly appealing side hustle in India.
29. Give Tours
India’s tourism sector is booming, with both domestic and international travelers seeking unique experiences.
You can set your own schedule and choose when to offer tours, making it easy to balance this side hustle with other commitments.
Running a tour business helps you develop skills in marketing, customer service, and event planning, which are beneficial in many areas of business.
30. Deliver Food
With the rise of online food ordering, there is a strong and growing demand for food delivery services, especially in urban areas.
You can start earning money almost immediately after signing up with a delivery service. Many platforms offer daily or weekly payment options, providing quick cash flow.
31. Offer Moving Services
With urbanization and increasing mobility, many people are moving homes or offices, leading to a consistent demand for reliable moving services.
Starting a moving service can require minimal investment if you already own a vehicle.
32. WordPress development
The need for websites, especially user-friendly WordPress sites—continues to grow.
WordPress offers a wide range of possibilities, from creating blogs and portfolios to e-commerce sites and business websites, allowing you to explore different niches.
Working in WordPress development helps you enhance your technical skills, including coding, design, and SEO, which are valuable in the tech industry.
33. Data Entry
Many businesses require data entry for various tasks, such as maintaining records, inputting information, and managing databases.
You don’t need specialized skills or qualifications to start in data entry, making it an accessible option for people from various backgrounds.
34. Handmade Crafts
There’s a rising appreciation for unique, artisanal goods as consumers increasingly seek personalized and authentic items, creating a strong demand for handmade crafts.
This side hustle allows you to express your creativity and passion, whether you’re making jewellery, home decor, or making the work enjoyable and fulfilling.
With platforms like Amazon and local marketplaces, you can easily reach a wider audience without needing a physical store.
35. Interior Design
As urbanization increases and more people invest in their living spaces, the demand for professional interior design services is on the rise.
You can start your interior design business with minimal investment. Initially, you can focus on smaller projects or consultations and build your portfolio over time.
Can I do side hustles from home?
Many side hustles can be done from home, offering flexibility and convenience. Here are a few popular options:
Freelancing: Offer your skills in writing, graphic design, and programming on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.
Online Tutoring: Teach subjects you’re knowledgeable in through sites like Udemy.
E-commerce: Sell products online via your own store or platforms like Shopify or Amazon marketplace.
Blogging/Vlogging: Create content on topics you’re passionate about and monetize through ads or sponsorships.
Influencer: Build a social media following and collaborate with brands for sponsored posts.
Print on Demand: Design custom products and sell them without holding inventory through services like Qikink.
Dropshipping: Start an online store without inventory by partnering with suppliers who ship directly to customers.
How to start a side hustle with Qikink
Starting a side hustle with the Qikink Print On Demand platform is an exciting journey. Here’s how to get started.
1. No signup Fees
Create an account on Qikink’s website. The registration process is quick, user-friendly, and Free. Qikink does not charge a signup fee or minimum deposit. You can sign up and start placing orders by paying for them.
2. Choose Your Niche
Decide what products you want to sell—apparel, home decor, accessories, etc. Focus on a niche that interests you. Qikink offers the most significant products, ranging from clothing to Accessories, in India for Print Demand and Dropshipping.
3. Design Your Products
Use Qikink’s design tools or upload your artwork. Ensure your designs are unique and appealing to your target audience.
4. Set Up Your Store
Connect your Shopify, Woocommerce, or any other store using our custom-built Plugins or open APIs. Update your store with the products created in the Qikink dashboard. Qikink handles printing and shipping.
5. Promote Your Products
Use social media, content marketing, and online ads to reach potential customers. Engage with your audience to build a community around your brand.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest paying side hustle?
The highest-paying side hustle can vary based on skills and demand. Here we share a few highest paying side hustles.
- Freelancing
- Online Tutoring
- E-commerce
- App Development
- Dropshipping
Name some best side hustles for college students?
The highest-paying side hustle can vary based on skills and demand. Here we share a few highest paying side hustles.
- Freelancing
- Online Tutoring
- E-commerce
- App Development
- Dropshipping
What are the best online side hustles?
Here are some popular online side hustles;
- Become a tutor
- Freelancing
- Sell digital products
- Social media marketing
- Start a dropshipping business
- YouTube channel
- Start a podcast
- Influencer
Can I scale the side hustle to a full-time job?
Yes, you can definitely scale a side hustle to a full-time job. Here are some critical steps to help you.
- Ensure there’s a market for your product or service
- Develop your brand identity
- Outline your strategy for scaling and operations.
- Consider adding new products or services to your offerings to attract a broader audience.
- Invest in effective marketing strategies, such as social media advertising, content marketing, or email campaigns, to grow your reach.
Content Writer, Blog Editor at Qikink
