Are you looking to earn some extra cash on the side? Maybe you want to pay off debt faster, save up to make a big purchase, or just have some secondary income. No matter the reasons, a side hustle can be a wonderful idea to lift your finances without committing to a second full-time job. India is a land of opportunity, and there are several ways to make secondary money without having to work on the traditional 9-to-5 job. From pursuing your passion to learning about new programs, the options for side hustles are plenty. If you are someone who is looking to explore irregular work streams, here are the 7 best side hustles in India to help you out.
Freelancing & Online Courses
If you have a way with words, you can consider freelance writing, editing, or translation as a side hustle. Your writing skills are more than enough to earn you a decent income. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Internshala can help you connect with clients who are seeking content for their websites, blogs, or marketing materials.
Or you can consider online teaching and course creation.
If you are an expert in a specific domain, you can consider creating and selling online courses to earn money. Platforms like Udemy, Skillshare, and Teachable offer user-friendly interfaces and a ready-made audience of learners eager to acquire new skills.
Virtual Assistant
If you want to use your communication and time management skills to earn money, you can consider virtual assistance as a secondary income source. Virtual assistants are professionals who work remotely and provide administrative, technical, or creative assistance to businesses and individuals for best side hustles
Your responsibilities as a virtual assistant include social media management, appointment scheduling, email management, data entry, and research and report writing.
- Earnings Potential: ₹10,000 – ₹30,000+ per month (depending on experience and workload)
- Skills Required: Organization, communication, time management, technical skills (depending on the role)
- Time Commitment: Flexible (can be adjusted based on client needs)
Social Media Manager
Every business has a social media presence and they are all looking for a skilled social media manager who would help manage that online presence for best side hustles
As a social media manager, your responsibilities will include creating engaging content, scheduling posts, analyzing audience engagement, and running targeted ad campaigns. Social media manager as a side hustle is perfect for individuals who are well-versed in the ins and outs of social media.
- Earnings Potential: ₹15,000 – ₹40,000+ per month (depending on the size of the business and number of clients)
- Skills Required: Social media marketing, content creation, analytics, graphic design (optional)
- Time Commitment: Flexible (can be managed alongside a regular schedule)
Online Tutoring & Coaching
Learning and skill development don’t have to be done only in classrooms. You can use your screens and online classrooms. That’s what makes online tutoring and coaching a perfect side hustle for individuals who have a knack for explaining complex ideas and enjoy sharing their knowledge to earn extra income.
Earn extra money by making use of the growing demand for professional coaching and mentoring services. You can conduct one-on-one sessions, deliver workshops, or even create self-paced courses to share your knowledge and insights.
- Earnings Potential: ₹200 – ₹1000+ per hour (depending on subject, experience, and platform)
- Skills Required: Subject matter expertise, clear communication, ability to engage students
- Time Commitment: Flexible (schedule tutoring sessions around your availability)
Sharing and Earning App
Did you know sharing the links of your favorite products or services with your friends can help you earn money?
Yes! Many popular apps like PhonePe, Swiggy, Zomato, and Share and Earn offer referral programs where you can earn rewards by referring friends and family to use their services. These apps present a unique side hustle opportunity to earn extra income.
- Skills Needed: Strong communication and networking skills
- Investment: Low (just a smartphone and internet connection)
- Potential Income: Varies depending on the app, referral program, and number of successful referrals
Dropshipping & Print-on-Demand
E-commerce is another way in which you can earn extra cash. Dropshipping permits you to sell products online without holding any inventory. You partner with a supplier who handles storage, packaging, and shipping while you focus on marketing and customer service.
You can use platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce to make this work.
Print-on-demand (POD) is another exciting side hustle that you can pursue. Design t-shirts, phone cases, or other merchandise and partner with a POD company that handles printing and fulfillment. All you need to do is drive traffic to your online store through targeted marketing.
- Earnings Potential: Highly variable (depends on marketing efforts and product margins)
- Skills Required: Marketing, customer service, basic e-commerce knowledge
- Time Commitment: Variable (can be time-intensive initially but becomes more manageable)
Audiobook Narration
Audiobooks are extremely popular with people who have a primary job and are not able to commit to reading a book. They allow people to consume literature, non-fiction, and other forms of content while multitasking or during their commutes.
If you have a captivating voice and exceptional reading skills, audiobook narration can be a rewarding side hustle that will help you earn extra money.
- Skills Needed: Excellent articulation, strong understanding of pacing and intonation, ability to capture emotions through voice
- Investment: Low (may require a good quality microphone and soundproofing materials)
- Potential Income: Varies depending on royalty rates negotiated with authors.
Also Read: Passive Income Ideas
To Conclude,
Before considering a side hustle, do your research and due diligence. Make sure you read and understand the local regulations and legal requirements related to the chosen side hustle. With these side hustles, you can work towards achieving financial stability and financial freedom.
To have a side hustle, you need dedication, perseverance, and a passion for what you do. With the right mindset and a willingness to put in the effort, anyone can turn their side hustle into a successful venture. So, why wait? Start earning now!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How much time can I expect to dedicate to a side hustle?
A. The time commitment for each side hustle will vary depending on the specific hustle itself. Some hustles, like freelance writing, can be done in chunks throughout the week, while others, like online tutoring, might require set hours.
Q. What is the best side income in India?
A. The best side income in India includes referral marketing, affiliate marketing, online tutoring, drop shipping, and social media content creation.
Q. What is the #1 side hustle?
A. There isn’t one perfect side hustle, but freelancing and referral marketing are great options for many. It allows you to use your existing skills and work on flexible projects in your free time.
Q.Which side hustle is the most profitable?
A.The most profitable side hustle depends on your skills, interests, and resources. Some high-earning options include in-demand tech skills or selling products.
