Starting your own business is a dream many Indians share. However, the fear of high investment and uncertainty often holds people back. The good news is that franchising offers a safer, proven path to entrepreneurship. With the right choice, even a modest budget can unlock opportunities for a successful venture. If you’ve ever wanted to own a business but thought it was too expensive, this guide will help you explore the best franchise business opportunities in India that can be started under ₹10 lakhs.
Whether you’re a first-time entrepreneur, a working professional looking for extra income, or someone seeking a stable post-retirement option, these low-cost franchises provide a realistic and profitable way to enter India’s fast-growing business landscape.
Why Choose a Franchise Business in India?
Before diving into the list of opportunities, it’s important to understand why franchise businesses have become so popular in India. A franchise allows you to leverage the brand reputation, proven business model, and customer trust of an established company.
You don’t need to start from scratch or spend years building recognition. Instead, you follow a proven formula that has already proven effective. This makes it easier to earn returns faster and minimize the risk that often comes with new startups.
Some additional reasons why franchising is a great option:
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Lower Risk: Franchises come with a proven system and existing customer base.
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Training & Support: Most companies provide marketing, product, and operations training.
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Faster Break-even: With brand familiarity, it’s easier to attract customers and recover investment quickly.
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Scalability: Once the first outlet performs well, you can expand into multiple units.
The Indian market, with its growing middle class and increasing spending power, has opened up thousands of opportunities across industries like food, education, healthcare, retail, and services.
The Food Industry: A Hotspot for the Best Franchise Business Under ₹10 Lakhs
When it comes to affordable franchising, the food and beverage industry tops the list. India’s love for snacks, tea, coffee, and fast food ensures there’s always demand. You don’t need to own a restaurant chain to be successful. Even a small kiosk, cloud kitchen, or food cart can bring steady profits.
Here are a few strong contenders for the best franchise business in the food sector under ₹10 lakhs:
1. Tea Time
Tea Time is one of the fastest-growing tea café chains in India, offering affordable franchise models starting around ₹4–5 lakhs. With India’s obsession with chai, this franchise promises daily footfall and quick returns. They offer multiple product categories such as tea, coffee, coolers, and snacks. Minimal staff and easy setup make it a smart choice for new entrepreneurs.
2. Jux Pux – Fresh Juice & Shake Bar
This brand focuses on healthy, natural beverages, a trend that’s booming among young consumers. With an investment of around ₹7–8 lakhs, you can open a compact juice bar in malls, near offices, or in residential areas. The franchise provides menu training, branding, and operational support.
3. Giani’s Ice Cream
A legacy brand known for its ice creams and sundaes, Giani’s offers small outlet models under ₹10 lakhs. The franchise is perfect for cities with high foot traffic and warm climates. Their strong reputation and consistent product quality make it one of the best franchise business options in the dessert segment.
These examples prove that the food industry is not only emotionally rewarding but also financially viable, especially for first-time investors.
The Rise of Education & Skill-Based Franchises
Education is another segment that continues to thrive in India. Parents are increasingly focused on their children’s development, and professionals are looking for upskilling opportunities. This makes educational franchises a stable and recession-proof business.
Some of the top players in this space offering opportunities under ₹10 lakhs include:
4. KidZee Preschool (Mini Model)
KidZee, a leading name in preschool education, offers a smaller-format franchise for towns and semi-urban areas. Investment starts around ₹8–10 lakhs, depending on the location and infrastructure. The company provides complete guidance, training materials, and marketing support.
5. Brainobrain
Brainobrain specializes in skill development and mental arithmetic training for children. With an initial investment of around ₹3–4 lakhs, it’s a low-risk model with high potential. The franchise operates with small batches and minimal infrastructure, making it ideal for educators and homemakers.
6. NIIT Learning Centre (Micro Franchise)
With India’s digital transformation, demand for IT education has surged. NIIT offers micro-franchise models focusing on short-term courses in digital marketing, coding, and data analytics. The investment starts from ₹9 lakhs and includes setup, branding, and course support.
If you’re passionate about education and want to make a difference while earning, these options are worth considering.
Retail and Services: Everyday Needs, Steady Income
The retail and service sectors in India are expanding rapidly due to rising consumer demand for convenience. From laundry and courier services to mobile accessories and grocery stores, small-format franchises are bringing stable returns.
7. DTDC Courier & Cargo
With an investment of just ₹1.5–2 lakhs, you can become a DTDC franchise partner and start offering courier and logistics services in your area. The company’s trusted name and vast network make it a great low-cost opportunity.
8. UClean – Laundry & Dry Cleaning
Laundry services have seen growing demand in urban areas. UClean offers franchise models starting from ₹8–9 lakhs, providing complete machinery, marketing, and operational support. It’s one of the best franchise business ideas for people looking for a consistent monthly income.
9. Big Mart Grocery
Big Mart offers small-format grocery store franchises under ₹10 lakhs. The brand focuses on daily essentials and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), ensuring regular sales. With India’s expanding urban population, grocery stores remain evergreen and profitable.
10. Mobile Store or Accessories Kiosk
The smartphone revolution in India has created massive demand for accessories, repairs, and add-ons. A small kiosk selling chargers, cases, and gadgets can be started for ₹3–5 lakhs. Brands like Gadget Studio and ReConnect offer franchise opportunities in this segment.
Health and Wellness: A Fast-Growing Franchise Opportunity
India’s health and fitness industry has experienced rapid growth in recent years. As people become more health-conscious, opportunities in this field are expanding quickly. Starting a wellness-based franchise under ₹10 lakhs is not only possible but also highly profitable.
11. Dr. Batra’s Homeopathy Clinic (Mini Model)
With a smaller clinic setup, the investment can be limited to ₹9–10 lakhs. The franchise provides full operational support and trusted branding in alternative medicine.
12. Apollo Diagnostics Collection Centre
You can start a diagnostic sample collection center with Apollo under ₹7–8 lakhs. The brand credibility ensures a steady customer base from day one.
13. VLCC Slimming and Beauty Express
VLCC’s express model is designed for small spaces and lower investments, ideal for entrepreneurs interested in the beauty and wellness space.
This sector is growing fast, driven by urban lifestyle changes and a focus on preventive healthcare.
How to Choose the Best Franchise Business for You
With so many options available, the real challenge is selecting the right one. Here are a few steps to guide you:
1. Assess Your Interest: Choose a business that aligns with your passion. If you love food, pick a café or juice bar. If you enjoy teaching, choose an education brand.
2. Check Demand in Your Area: Study your local market. Franchises that work well in metros might not suit small towns.
3. Understand the Investment: Look beyond the initial cost. Include rent, staffing, and operational expenses.
4. Review Brand Reputation: Pick a company with strong customer trust and proven support systems.
5. Ask About ROI: Know the expected break-even period and average monthly profit before you invest.
Selecting the best franchise business requires thoughtful research and understanding of your financial capacity and business goals.
Success Stories: Small Investments, Big Dreams
Take the story of Rohit Sharma, a 30-year-old from Jaipur who invested ₹6 lakhs to open a Tea Time outlet near a college campus. Within eight months, he recovered his investment and now runs two more outlets in nearby towns.
Similarly, Pooja Mehra, a homemaker from Pune, started a Brainobrain center with ₹4 lakhs. Today, she runs classes for over 100 children and earns a steady income each month while enjoying flexible working hours.
These examples show that with dedication and the right guidance, even a modest investment can turn into a flourishing business.
Turning Your Investment into a Lasting Venture
Choosing the best franchise business under ₹10 lakhs in India is no longer a dream for the few. The franchise industry has matured, offering practical, scalable, and profitable options for anyone ready to start. Whether it’s a tea café, skill development center, courier service, or wellness studio, every category has room for passionate entrepreneurs.
The key is to start small, stay consistent, and learn from the brand’s expertise. A well-chosen franchise can give you financial stability, independence, and the satisfaction of running your own business.
If you’re ready to take the next step, start researching the brands that align with your goals and reach out to their franchise teams. With the right choice and commitment, your journey to entrepreneurship could begin sooner than you think.
