Jobs and skills

A steady pay cheque: government exams, private jobs, internships and apprenticeships.

Jobs and skillsFull EARN guideGovernment job through examsClear an SSC, UPSC, bank, railway or state exam for a secure salaried post.Start: Under ₹5,000Risk: LowJobs and skillsFull EARN guidePaid apprenticeshipLearn a trade on the job with a stipend through the national apprenticeship scheme.Start: Under ₹5,000Risk: LowJobs and skillsFull EARN guidePM Internship SchemeA 12 month internship in a large company with ₹5,000 a month from government and company.Start: Under ₹5,000Risk: LowJobs and skillsFull EARN guideFirst private sector jobLand a salaried job in retail, BPO, sales, IT support, logistics or offices.Start: Under ₹5,000Risk: LowJobs and skillsShort guideSecurity guardSalaried guard work through licensed security agencies.Start: Under ₹5,000Risk: LowJobs and skillsShort guideDomestic and care workerCooking, cleaning and elder or child care in homes.Start: Under ₹5,000Risk: LowJobs and skillsShort guideBPO and customer support jobVoice, chat and email support jobs for freshers.Start: Under ₹5,000Risk: LowJobs and skillsShort guideRetail and showroom sales staffSell in malls, showrooms and brand stores.Start: Under ₹5,000Risk: LowJobs and skillsShort guideHotel and restaurant staffFront office, kitchen and service jobs in hospitality.Start: Under ₹5,000Risk: LowJobs and skillsShort guideJob abroad through registered agentsWork in the Gulf and other countries through approved recruiters.Start: Up to ₹50,000Risk: MediumJobs and skillsShort guideRural wage employment schemesGuaranteed days of paid work in villages under government schemes.Start: Under ₹5,000Risk: Low

Freelancing and online services

Sell a skill to clients, from your laptop, in India or abroad.

Freelancing and online servicesFull EARN guideFreelance web and app developerBuild websites and apps for small businesses and clients abroad.Start: Up to ₹50,000Risk: MediumFreelancing and online servicesFull EARN guideFreelance graphic designerDesign logos, social posts, packaging and presentations for clients.Start: Up to ₹50,000Risk: MediumFreelancing and online servicesFull EARN guideFreelance content writerWrite blogs, website copy, scripts and newsletters for brands.Start: Under ₹5,000Risk: LowFreelancing and online servicesFull EARN guideSocial media manager for local businessesRun Instagram, WhatsApp and Google profiles for shops, clinics and cafes.Start: Under ₹5,000Risk: LowFreelancing and online servicesFull EARN guideFreelance video editorEdit YouTube videos, reels and ads for creators and brands.Start: Up to ₹50,000Risk: MediumFreelancing and online servicesShort guideVirtual assistantManage email, calendars and admin for busy founders.Start: Under ₹5,000Risk: LowFreelancing and online servicesShort guideTranslator and interpreterTranslate documents, subtitles and apps between languages.Start: Under ₹5,000Risk: LowFreelancing and online servicesShort guideUI and UX designerDesign app and website screens for startups.Start: Up to ₹50,000Risk: MediumFreelancing and online servicesShort guideSEO and performance marketing freelancerGrow clients' traffic and run their ads.Start: Under ₹5,000Risk: MediumFreelancing and online servicesShort guideVoice-over artistRecord voice for ads, videos, audiobooks and IVR.Start: Up to ₹50,000Risk: MediumFreelancing and online servicesShort guideAI data labelling and annotationLabel images, text and audio to train AI systems.Start: Under ₹5,000Risk: LowFreelancing and online servicesShort guideMobile app developerBuild Android and iOS apps for clients or your own products.Start: Up to ₹50,000Risk: MediumFreelancing and online servicesShort guideGST and accounts freelancer for small shopsPrepare GST data and records for small traders.Start: Under ₹5,000Risk: Low

Creator economy

Videos, posts, blogs and newsletters that earn from ads, brands and fans.

Gig and delivery

Platform work you can start fast: deliveries, rides, home services, transport.

Trading and retail

Buy, stock and sell: shops, online stores, reselling and street vending.

Trading and retailFull EARN guideKirana or general storeRun a neighbourhood shop for groceries and daily needs.Start: Up to ₹5 lakhRisk: MediumTrading and retailFull EARN guideOnline seller on Amazon, Flipkart or MeeshoList products on marketplaces and ship across India.Start: Up to ₹5 lakhRisk: MediumTrading and retailFull EARN guideReseller on WhatsApp and InstagramShare catalogues from suppliers and sell to your own circle.Start: Under ₹5,000Risk: LowTrading and retailFull EARN guideStreet vendingSell from a cart or stall with help from PM SVANidhi loans.Start: Up to ₹50,000Risk: LowTrading and retailShort guideFMCG distributorSupply brands' products to shops in your area.Start: Savings or a bank loanRisk: MediumTrading and retailShort guideMobile accessories and recharge shopSell accessories, SIMs and recharges from a counter.Start: Up to ₹5 lakhRisk: MediumTrading and retailShort guideStationery and photocopy shopServe schools, colleges and offices with stationery and printing.Start: Up to ₹5 lakhRisk: LowTrading and retailShort guideSaree and clothing resellerBuy from wholesale markets and sell from home or online.Start: Up to ₹50,000Risk: MediumTrading and retailShort guidePharmacy or Jan Aushadhi KendraRun a medical store, including generic medicine kendras.Start: Savings or a bank loanRisk: LowTrading and retailShort guideSelling to government on GeMSupply goods and services to government buyers online.Start: Up to ₹5 lakhRisk: MediumTrading and retailShort guideSecond-hand goods sellerBuy, refurbish and resell furniture, books, phones or bikes.Start: Up to ₹50,000Risk: Medium

Food business

Tiffins, bakes, stalls and cloud kitchens, from home or a small space.

Food businessFull EARN guideHome tiffin serviceCook home-style meals for students and office workers on a monthly plan.Start: Up to ₹50,000Risk: LowFood businessFull EARN guideCloud kitchenA delivery-only kitchen selling on Swiggy, Zomato and your own channels.Start: Up to ₹5 lakhRisk: MediumFood businessFull EARN guideHome bakerBake cakes, cookies and breads to order from home.Start: Up to ₹50,000Risk: LowFood businessFull EARN guideStreet food or tea stallSell chai, snacks or fast food from a stall in a busy spot.Start: Up to ₹50,000Risk: LowFood businessFull EARN guideHomemade pickles, papad and snacksMake packed traditional foods and sell locally and online.Start: Up to ₹50,000Risk: LowFood businessShort guideCatering for eventsCook for weddings, parties and office events.Start: Up to ₹5 lakhRisk: MediumFood businessShort guideJuice and shake counterFresh juices and shakes near gyms, colleges and markets.Start: Up to ₹5 lakhRisk: MediumFood businessShort guideSmall restaurant or dhabaA sit-down eatery on a highway or in town.Start: Savings or a bank loanRisk: MediumFood businessShort guideFood truckA mobile kitchen at events, offices and night markets.Start: Savings or a bank loanRisk: MediumFood businessShort guideSpice grinding and flour millGrind wheat, spices and pulses for households and shops.Start: Up to ₹5 lakhRisk: LowFood businessShort guideSweet shop (mithai)Make and sell traditional sweets and namkeen.Start: Savings or a bank loanRisk: MediumFood businessShort guideTea or coffee cafeA small cafe with tea, coffee and snacks.Start: Savings or a bank loanRisk: Medium

Home-based and women-led business

Businesses that fit around home and family, often started with little money.

Home-based and women-led businessFull EARN guideTailoring and home boutiqueStitch and alter clothes at home, and grow into a boutique.Start: Up to ₹50,000Risk: LowHome-based and women-led businessFull EARN guideHome beauty parlourOffer beauty services at home or at clients' homes.Start: Up to ₹50,000Risk: LowHome-based and women-led businessFull EARN guideMehendi artistApply mehendi for weddings, festivals and events.Start: Under ₹5,000Risk: LowHome-based and women-led businessFull EARN guideSelf help group enterpriseStart a business with other women through a self help group.Start: Under ₹5,000Risk: LowHome-based and women-led businessShort guideCandle and diya makingMake decorative candles and diyas, big in festive season.Start: Under ₹5,000Risk: LowHome-based and women-led businessShort guideCreche and daycareCare for young children while parents work.Start: Up to ₹50,000Risk: LowHome-based and women-led businessShort guideHandmade jewellery makerMake beaded, thread, terracotta or oxidised jewellery.Start: Under ₹5,000Risk: LowHome-based and women-led businessShort guideAgarbatti makingRoll and pack incense sticks at home or in a group.Start: Up to ₹50,000Risk: LowHome-based and women-led businessShort guideFood products SHG unitA group of women making packed foods for shops.Start: Under ₹5,000Risk: LowHome-based and women-led businessShort guideHome cooking classesTeach regional or baking recipes at home or online.Start: Under ₹5,000Risk: LowHome-based and women-led businessShort guideEmbroidery and handworkZardozi, chikankari, phulkari and other handwork for boutiques.Start: Under ₹5,000Risk: Low

Farming and allied

Dairy, poultry, goats, mushrooms and more, with strong scheme support.

Farming and alliedFull EARN guideDairy farmingKeep cows or buffaloes and sell milk to a cooperative or directly.Start: Up to ₹5 lakhRisk: MediumFarming and alliedFull EARN guideGoat farmingRaise goats for meat and breeding with scheme support.Start: Up to ₹5 lakhRisk: MediumFarming and alliedFull EARN guidePoultry farmingRaise broilers or layers, alone or on contract with a company.Start: Up to ₹5 lakhRisk: MediumFarming and alliedFull EARN guideMushroom farmingGrow oyster or button mushrooms indoors in a small room.Start: Up to ₹50,000Risk: MediumFarming and alliedShort guideFish farmingGrow fish in ponds or tanks with PMMSY support.Start: Up to ₹5 lakhRisk: MediumFarming and alliedShort guideBeekeepingKeep bee boxes for honey and pollination income.Start: Up to ₹50,000Risk: MediumFarming and alliedShort guideVermicompost and organic manureTurn farm and kitchen waste into compost for sale.Start: Up to ₹50,000Risk: LowFarming and alliedShort guidePlant nurseryGrow and sell plants, saplings and pots.Start: Up to ₹5 lakhRisk: LowFarming and alliedShort guideFlower farmingGrow marigold, roses or gerbera for markets and events.Start: Up to ₹5 lakhRisk: MediumFarming and alliedShort guideFarm machinery hiring centreRent tractors and machines to nearby farmers.Start: Savings or a bank loanRisk: MediumFarming and alliedShort guideOrganic vegetables for city buyersGrow chemical-free vegetables and sell direct to homes.Start: Up to ₹50,000Risk: MediumFarming and alliedShort guideFarmer Producer Organisation (FPO)Farmers come together to buy inputs and sell produce collectively.Start: Under ₹5,000Risk: Low

Manufacturing and crafts

Make things with your hands or a small machine and sell them.

Manufacturing and craftsFull EARN guideArtisan and handicraft makerMake pottery, weaving, metal, wood or toy crafts and sell to buyers across India.Start: Up to ₹50,000Risk: LowManufacturing and craftsFull EARN guideCarpenter and furniture makerMake and repair furniture and fittings for homes and offices.Start: Up to ₹50,000Risk: LowManufacturing and craftsFull EARN guideT-shirt and merchandise printingPrint custom T-shirts, mugs and bags for events, teams and brands.Start: Up to ₹5 lakhRisk: MediumManufacturing and craftsShort guidePaper bag makingMake paper and cloth bags for shops as plastic is restricted.Start: Up to ₹50,000Risk: LowManufacturing and craftsShort guideHandmade soap and cosmeticsNatural soaps, oils and skincare under a small brand.Start: Up to ₹50,000Risk: MediumManufacturing and craftsShort guidePottery and terracottaMake diyas, pots and decor on a wheel.Start: Up to ₹50,000Risk: LowManufacturing and craftsShort guideLeather and footwear makingMake or repair shoes, bags and belts.Start: Up to ₹50,000Risk: LowManufacturing and craftsShort guideSmall garment manufacturing unitStitch garments in bulk for brands and exporters.Start: Savings or a bank loanRisk: MediumManufacturing and craftsShort guideBamboo and cane productsBaskets, furniture and decor from bamboo and cane.Start: Up to ₹50,000Risk: LowManufacturing and craftsShort guideSmall manufacturing unit with PMEGPSet up a new micro factory with subsidy.Start: Savings or a bank loanRisk: Medium

Services and repairs

Fix, install and help: skilled local services people always need.

Services and repairsFull EARN guideMobile phone repairRepair phones and sell accessories from a small counter.Start: Up to ₹50,000Risk: LowServices and repairsFull EARN guideElectricianWiring, repairs and appliance installation for homes and shops.Start: Up to ₹50,000Risk: LowServices and repairsFull EARN guidePlumberFix leaks, fit bathrooms and install water systems.Start: Up to ₹50,000Risk: LowServices and repairsFull EARN guidePhotographer and videographerShoot weddings, events, products and portraits.Start: Up to ₹5 lakhRisk: MediumServices and repairsFull EARN guideCommon Service Centre (CSC) operatorRun a digital seva centre offering government and banking services.Start: Up to ₹5 lakhRisk: LowServices and repairsShort guideAC and appliance repairService ACs, fridges and washing machines.Start: Up to ₹50,000Risk: LowServices and repairsShort guideLaundry and ironing serviceWash, iron and dry clean for homes and PGs.Start: Up to ₹50,000Risk: LowServices and repairsShort guideDriving schoolTeach driving with a dual-control car.Start: Savings or a bank loanRisk: LowServices and repairsShort guidePest control serviceTreat homes and offices for pests.Start: Up to ₹5 lakhRisk: LowServices and repairsShort guideHome and office cleaning serviceDeep cleaning teams for homes and offices.Start: Up to ₹50,000Risk: LowServices and repairsShort guideEvent decorationDecorate birthdays, weddings and corporate events.Start: Up to ₹50,000Risk: MediumServices and repairsShort guideTour guideGuide tourists in your city or heritage sites.Start: Under ₹5,000Risk: LowServices and repairsShort guideCar wash and detailingDoorstep or station car cleaning.Start: Up to ₹50,000Risk: LowServices and repairsShort guideBarber and men's salonHaircuts and grooming from a shop or at home.Start: Up to ₹50,000Risk: Low

Professional practice

Licensed advice and agency work: insurance, mutual funds, property, accounts.

Professional practiceFull EARN guideInsurance agent or POSPSell life, health and motor insurance and earn commission.Start: Under ₹5,000Risk: LowProfessional practiceFull EARN guideMutual fund distributorHelp people invest in mutual funds and earn trail commission.Start: Under ₹5,000Risk: LowProfessional practiceFull EARN guideReal estate agentHelp people rent, buy and sell property and earn brokerage.Start: Up to ₹50,000Risk: MediumProfessional practiceFull EARN guideBookkeeping and accounts practiceKeep books, invoices and GST data for small businesses.Start: Up to ₹50,000Risk: LowProfessional practiceShort guideChartered accountant practiceAudit, tax and advisory practice for qualified CAs.Start: Up to ₹5 lakhRisk: LowProfessional practiceShort guideDoctor's private clinicConsultation practice for registered doctors.Start: Savings or a bank loanRisk: LowProfessional practiceShort guideAdvocate practiceLegal practice for enrolled advocates.Start: Up to ₹50,000Risk: LowProfessional practiceShort guideArchitect or interior designerDesign homes, offices and interiors.Start: Up to ₹50,000Risk: MediumProfessional practiceShort guidePhysiotherapistClinic or home-visit physiotherapy.Start: Up to ₹5 lakhRisk: LowProfessional practiceShort guideCounsellor or psychologistTalk therapy and counselling, in person or online.Start: Up to ₹50,000Risk: LowProfessional practiceShort guideDietitian and nutritionistDiet plans for health and fitness clients.Start: Under ₹5,000Risk: LowProfessional practiceShort guideSEBI-registered investment adviserFee-based investment advice under SEBI registration.Start: Up to ₹50,000Risk: Low

Teaching and coaching

Tuition, online classes and fitness coaching.

Rental and assets

Earn from a home, a room or a roof you already have.

Investing as income

Interest, dividends and withdrawals. Read the risk notes first.

Digital products

Make it once, sell it many times: courses, templates, downloads.

Export

Sell Indian goods to buyers abroad, online or in bulk.

Franchising

Run a proven brand's outlet under their system.

Short guides have the Explore step today; their full EARN units are on the way. Want help now? Ask a Savvy.