Ever thought about turning your classroom lessons into real income? You’re not alone.
In 2025, side hustles are a huge part of student life in India. With rising living costs and more students seeking financial independence, many are earning extra income through freelancing, small ventures, and digital gigs. According to recent surveys, nearly 40% of young professionals in India have a side hustle, earning an average of ₹70,000–₹80,000 per year.
But here’s something even more exciting—what if your degree itself could be the foundation for your business or freelance career? Some courses naturally lend themselves to entrepreneurial ideas. Here are six degrees that can help you build a side hustle while you’re still in college.
If you’re always coming up with new ideas or thinking about how to improve things, a degree in Entrepreneurship or Business Administration is your launchpad.
You’ll study marketing, finance, business strategy, and operations—skills that apply directly to launching a startup or side venture.
Many Indian entrepreneurs, including those behind startups like Zomato and BoAt, began with basic business knowledge and a lot of initiative.
Why it works: You can test your ideas in real-time and gain practical experience while earning money. With dedication, side gigs can bring in ₹10,000 to ₹50,000 per month or even more.
If you enjoy solving problems or building things online, Computer Science or IT is one of the most powerful degrees for launching a side hustle.
You’ll learn programming, web development, and AI basics—all of which are in huge demand in 2025.
Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Toptal have become popular among Indian students looking for freelance work.
Income potential: Students often start by charging ₹500–₹2,000 per project, and experienced freelancers can easily make ₹50,000+ per month.
Why it works: Low investment, flexible hours, and global opportunities. All you need is your laptop and strong skills.
If you’re creative and enjoy working with visuals, a degree in Graphic Design or Fine Arts can help you turn your passion into profit.
You’ll learn tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Canva, along with design theory and branding.
Income potential: Many students earn ₹10,000–₹60,000 per month, depending on projects and clients.
Why it works: Brands and influencers constantly need visual content. If your style stands out, you’ll always have clients.
If you love food and creativity, a degree in Culinary Arts is your recipe for both passion and profit.
Colleges like IHM, Manipal, and Symbiosis School of Culinary Arts are producing skilled chefs who don’t just work in hotels—they start their own ventures.
Income potential: With the growing trend of home-based food businesses, students can earn ₹20,000–₹1 lakh per month, depending on scale and consistency.
Why it works: India’s food industry thrives on creativity and personal touch. Your unique flavours can attract both online and offline customers.
If you’re passionate about sustainability and nature, Agriculture or Agribusiness degrees open up modern, eco-friendly earning opportunities.
You’ll study topics like crop management, agritech, and sustainable farming.
Investment: You can begin small, with as little as ₹25,000–₹75,000, and scale up as you grow.
Why it works: With urban farming and organic produce in high demand, India’s agribusiness scene is booming. Students who start early can build profitable, eco-conscious ventures.
If you love style, trends, and creativity, a degree in Fashion and Textile Design can turn your ideas into a brand.
You’ll study fabrics, pattern-making, and design technology. India’s fashion industry—especially sustainable and local brands—is growing rapidly.
Income potential: With smart marketing and creative designs, students can earn ₹15,000–₹80,000 per month, or more during festive seasons.
Why it works: India’s youth love original, sustainable, and handmade products. Your designs can capture that market easily.
You don’t have to be in a creative or tech field to start something on your own. Every degree can lead to opportunities if you think innovatively:
The key is to identify what you’re good at and find ways to make it valuable to others.
College isn’t just a place to earn a degree—it’s a chance to build your future. The knowledge you gain in class can easily become the foundation for your own business.
Start early, experiment with ideas, and don’t wait for the “perfect time.” The best entrepreneurs began while still figuring things out.
By 2026, your college side hustle could be your full-time income. So, what’s stopping you?
Also Read
LLB course duration and scope after graduation
ChatGPT’s Interactive Study Chats: Ultimate Exam Guide
LLB course eligibility after 12th commerce stream
AI Layoffs 2025: How Automation Is Changing Tech Jobs in India
Copyrights © 1998 - 2025 Lingaya's Vidyapeeth (Deemed To Be University). All rights reserved.
