Quick Summary
Starting a business as a student in India is now easier than ever, thanks to digital platforms and low-cost startup options. It’s a great way to earn extra income, gain valuable experience, and build skills that will benefit your future career. This article covers some of the best business ideas for students, how to start them with minimal investment, and useful tips to help you succeed while balancing your studies. Whether you’re new to entrepreneurship or looking for fresh ideas, this guide will help you get started on the right path.
Starting a business as a student is a great way to gain experience and earn extra income. Here are 30 startup ideas that are easy to manage alongside your studies. These ventures require minimal investment and can help you explore new interests or leverage your existing skills.
Now, let’s get to the exciting part: exploring startup ideas for students! We’ve categorized these ideas based on cost, industry, and skill level to help you find the perfect match.
If you’re a whiz at a particular subject, why not earn some money by tutoring other students? You can offer your tutoring services locally or even online through video platforms. This lets you pick your hours around your class schedule. This is one of the most profitable online business ideas for students.
Got a flair for words? Freelance writing could be your ideal side gig. Writers are always in demand for things like blog posts, website copy, marketing materials, and more. Build a portfolio illustrating your skills and start pitching clients online. This requires a pure skillset and is one of the best business ideas for students without investment.
Looking for innovative online business ideas for students? A student ride-sharing/carpool app is a practical and eco-friendly business idea. Create an app that connects students who need rides with those who have cars and are willing to share their commute. You’ll need to develop a user-friendly app, promote it through social media and campus events, and ensure safety features like user ratings and verified profiles.
Similar to writing, graphic design abilities can earn you some serious cash as a freelancer. Learn tools like Photoshop, Illustrator and Canva to create logos, social media graphics, brochures, and other visuals for businesses and individuals. You will only have to invest in your skill-building. Therefore, graphic design could be one of the lucrative business ideas for students with low investment.
These days, every company needs a strong social presence. However many don’t have time to handle their accounts effectively. That’s where you, as a social media manager, come in! You can offer services like posting, community management, paid ads, and social media strategy. Social media management is one of the trending online business ideas for students.
As the demand for video content is increasing these days, leveraging YouTube could be a great way to share your skills, knowledge, or even just daily experiences by vlogging. With enough engaging content and a solid subscriber base, you can earn money through advertising revenue. It has turned out to be among the best business ideas for students. You just need to have fun and be yourself!
Dropshipping lets you run an e-commerce store without ever actually stocking inventory yourself. Simply partner with a supplier who’ll handle all the shipping when your store makes a sale. It’s low-risk and currently tops the list of best business ideas for students with low investment.
You are good at communicating your thoughts and ideas clearly with others. Or maybe you just love telling engaging stories! Start your podcast, sharing expertise on topics you’re passionate about. You can monetise through sponsorships or affiliate marketing down the line. This is also among the best small business ideas for students.
Applying for jobs or internships is stressful, especially when it comes to making your resume and cover letter stand out. That makes resume writing and editing skills extremely valuable. If you have a knack for writing and understand what employers might look for in a resume, then help other students craft winning application materials. This is also one of the popular business ideas for students.
Everything is going digital these days, and providing virtual assistance is among the best online business ideas for students. Use your great organizational and communication abilities to offer affordable virtual assistant services to busy entrepreneurs, small businesses, or even individuals. In this role, you must perform common tasks like email management, scheduling, data entry, and research.
GenZ students find their inspiration in singers, actors, or sports persons. You can work with their team to set up an online niche store. This could be one of the innovative business ideas for students. With the power of e-commerce, you can curate and sell almost any niche product online – from fandom merch to quirky gadgets to subscription boxes. You just need to find a passionate community and cater directly to their interests.
This is one of the simple and useful business startup ideas for students. Many students must print and bind their assignments, projects, and theses. You can set up a small printing and binding service on or near your campus. Start with a good printer, a binding machine, and basic supplies. Offer quick and affordable services to your fellow students. Printing and binding services are among the popular business ideas for students with low investment and can be managed alongside your studies.
Nowadays, beautiful photography has become a crucial part of businesses, events, influencers, and more. If you have an eye for imagery and can wield a camera, market your budding photography skills to earn paid gigs. Therefore, photography is growing in the list of best startup ideas in India for students.
As a student, you encounter different courses and curriculums. And many student groups study by teaching each other. You can use your knack for teaching to create online courses in your areas of expertise. The market for such online business ideas for students is also growing rapidly. Whether you are interested in academic topics or hobbies, hosting video lessons on platforms like Udemy or SkillShare can build you a passive income stream.
Fluent in multiple languages? Students usually learn different languages during their school and college period. To fit the needs of such business for students, translation services are growing as business ideas for students in India. There are phone apps, websites, businesses, and more that all need skilled human translators. You can offer your language abilities to convert written or audio content accurately between your known tongues.
Share the gift of music by teaching private instruments or vocal lessons in your community or online via video chat. You’ll have fun passing on your talents while making money simultaneously!
As a skilled coder and web designer, you could build affordable websites and apps for small companies, personal brands, fellow students, and more. Launch clients’ online presence in exchange for project fees. It is one of the best online business ideas for students enrolled in computer science and programming-related courses.
Similarly, those who can leverage movie editing software are in high demand these days. Millions of individuals have their online presence on social media, and many of them create video content. And video editing is among the best business ideas for students. You can offer to cut together videos for YouTubers, musicians, event recaps, product demos, and other video needs.
Try taking commissions if you have impressive drawing, painting, or digital design skills! Open an online store where people can hire you for custom artwork, illustrations, fan art pieces, or graphic design projects. It is also one of the popular small business ideas for female students.
Student fitness or yoga classes are a great small business idea. If you’re passionate about fitness or yoga, you can offer classes to fellow students. You can hold sessions in campus gyms, parks, or even online. Start with small group classes and gradually expand.
A recycling and sustainability initiative on campus is one of business ideas for students in university. You can set up recycling bins for paper, plastic, and glass and organize regular pick-up services. Promote eco-friendly practices through workshops and events. You could also sell reusable items like water bottles and shopping bags. This business helps the environment and educates students on sustainability while also providing a steady income.
Do you know how to do basic repairs and installations and are looking for business ideas for students in India? Handyman services to local homeowners, apartment complexes, or even small businesses could be a great choice for you. It is a simple way to use your existing abilities.
Many students want to travel but need help planning affordable trips. You can help by organizing trips, finding discounts, and creating itineraries. Use your knowledge of budget-friendly travel options and popular student destinations. This business is easy to start with minimal costs and can be done part-time. It also offers a fun way to earn extra money.
Create a website or app where students can easily buy tickets for campus events like concerts, sports games, and theatre shows. Charge a small fee for each ticket sold. Promote your platform through social media and campus networks. This business requires some technical skills and marketing but can be very profitable and convenient for your peers.
Beauty gurus and make-up mavens can monetize their passion! Start offering make-up tutorials, personal shopping experiences, or even mobile make-up artist services for events like proms, weddings or girl’s nights out. This is also popular among small business ideas for girl students.
Consider converting written books and materials into engaging audiobook formats for online business ideas for students. Set up a small recording setup to begin reading. Authors, publishers, and educational institutions increasingly demand this service.
A healthy food truck or cafe near colleges is among the smart choices of small business ideas for students. Students often crave quick and nutritious meals between classes. You can offer fresh salads, wraps, smoothies, and snacks with quality ingredients. Set up your food truck or cafe near college campuses to attract students looking for convenient and healthy options.
If you have experience with children, why not turn it into a fun and profitable venture? Market yourself as the go-to kids’ party host for birthdays and celebrations. Plan exciting games, creative activities, and fun crafts to keep kids entertained while giving parents a stress-free experience. This is one of the best business ideas for students, as it requires minimal investment and offers great opportunities to showcase creativity and event planning skills.
Selling Handmade Products online is a creative and one of the popular small business ideas for female students. You can make jewelry, crafts, or other unique items at home and sell them through platforms like Etsy, eBay, or your website. Create a few items, take good pictures, and set up your online store.
Sometimes, tried-and-true old-school marketing tactics still work! Partner with local businesses to offer affordable flyer distribution services around neighborhoods, campuses, or busy commercial hubs to blanket an area with advertisements.
Keep forgetting Birthdays? No worries. Set up a service that reminds people of important dates and sorts the gift and a card. Remember that anniversaries and Valentine’s Day are just as lucrative as birthdays!
Starting a babysitting business is a fantastic way for students to earn extra money while developing essential skills like responsibility and time management. The best part is that it requires no prior experience or significant investment—just a caring attitude and reliability. This makes it one of the easiest business ideas for students, allowing them to explore entrepreneurship ideas for students at a young age.
Download:- Startup Ideas for Students pdf
Starting a business as a student can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Here are some steps to help you get started:
Starting a business as a student can be a rewarding journey that provides valuable skills, experiences, and networks.
Starting a business as a student is a rewarding experience that can help you gain valuable skills, earn extra income, and set yourself up for future success. The startup business ideas for students listed here are perfect for those with limited resources and time. Remember, the key to success is dedication, creativity, and a willingness to learn.
Don’t wait for the “perfect time” to start. Begin today and take the first step toward building your future business. Whether it’s online tutoring, freelancing, or dropshipping, there’s a business idea that’s right for you.
The best business for a student depends on their interests, skills, and resources. Some popular options include tutoring, freelance writing, graphic design, dropshipping, and starting a blog or YouTube channel.
Yes, an 18-year-old can legally start a business. They can register their business, open a bank account, and apply for licenses and permits. It’s a great time to pursue entrepreneurial dreams and gain valuable experience.
To start a business with Rs 50,000, focus on low-cost ventures like an online store, food delivery service, tutoring, or freelancing. Create a budget, minimize expenses, and leverage free marketing tools like social media.
As a student, you can start a business such as drop-shipping, social media management, blogging, freelance writing, graphic design, or creating an online course. These require low investment and can be done part-time.
A 16-year-old can start a variety of small businesses, such as lawn care, babysitting, dog walking, handmade crafts, and social media management. It’s important to check local regulations and get parental consent if needed.
Authored by, Amay Mathur | Senior Editor
Amay Mathur is a business news reporter at Chegg.com. He previously worked for PCMag, Business Insider, The Messenger, and ZDNET as a reporter and copyeditor. His areas of coverage encompass tech, business, strategy, finance, and even space. He is a Columbia University graduate.
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Chegg India does not ask for money to offer any opportunity with the company. We request you to be vigilant before sharing your personal and financial information with any third party. Beware of fraudulent activities claiming affiliation with our company and promising monetary rewards or benefits. Chegg India shall not be responsible for any losses resulting from such activities.