From strategy rooms to virtual sessions, the business of consulting is thriving—and reshaping India’s entrepreneurial landscape
In the bustling business lanes of Delhi, the digital cafes of Bengaluru, and even the small towns of Bihar, a new kind of entrepreneur is emerging—armed not with inventory or retail space, but with expertise. Whether it’s advising startups on go-to-market strategy, helping students choose the right foreign university, or guiding yoga studios in wellness branding, consultants across India are turning their niche knowledge into powerful businesses.
The consulting industry in India, once limited to corporate boardrooms and high-profile firms like McKinsey or KPMG, has undergone a seismic shift. Now, solo professionals, boutique agencies, and online platforms are all part of a booming ecosystem that values advice as much as execution.
Why Consulting Is Taking Off in India
There are multiple forces behind this boom:
- Digital India & Remote Work: With the proliferation of Zoom and Google Meet, consultants no longer need an office to start a business. A CA from Ranchi or a UX expert from Kochi can now serve clients across the globe.
- Rise of Startups and MSMEs: India has over 63 million MSMEs, many of which require strategic, legal, tech, or HR guidance but can’t afford full-time experts.
- Gig Economy Mindset: Professionals today value flexibility and impact. Consulting offers both.
- Education & Upskilling: Platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, and Indian institutes such as IIMs and NIIT offer specialized courses, enabling people to enter the consulting space with confidence.
According to a 2024 NASSCOM report, the Indian consulting market is growing at 11% annually and is expected to reach $45 billion by 2030.
The Many Faces of Indian Consulting
Consulting in India is no longer limited to finance or management. Here’s a breakdown of some rapidly growing segments:
- Startup & Business Consulting
India is the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world. Every founder needs advice on market entry, funding strategy, and business planning.
Example:
Sandeep Jain, founder of ConsultKart, started advising startups from his LinkedIn page. Within two years, his firm helped over 200 startups with pitch decks and growth strategy, expanding his reach from Noida to Dubai.
- Education & Career Counseling
With lakhs of students vying for college seats, career confusion is rampant.
Example:
Dr. Ruchi Bhatia, a former HR professional, launched her online career coaching platform RuchiUpLift and has since guided over 10,000 students through psychometric testing and global admissions.
- Digital Marketing Consulting
Businesses need help navigating the crowded online space—SEO, reels, and ads included.
Example:
Pratik Shah, once a solo freelancer in Ahmedabad, now runs The Growth Tribe, a team of 15 consultants offering digital branding to real estate developers and NGOs alike.
- Wellness & Lifestyle Consulting
From dieticians to spiritual mentors, people are monetizing ancient wisdom with modern tools.
Example:
Anjali Tiwari, a certified yoga instructor, offers online consultation for prenatal yoga and Ayurvedic diets. Her Instagram-fueled consulting has a global audience from India to Canada.
Consulting as a Side Hustle—and Full-Time Gig
With flexible hours and low overhead costs, many Indians are starting consultation services part-time. Engineers, teachers, and even homemakers are tapping into skills they already have—turning them into paid offerings.
Take Kunal Verma, an IT professional from Pune. His weekend gig helping friends with cybersecurity concerns morphed into a full-fledged service, SecureNow, which now caters to startups needing data protection policies.
What Does It Take to Become a Consultant in India?
Consulting is not about having all the answers—it’s about asking the right questions, building trust, and delivering results. Here are the key ingredients:
- Domain Expertise: A degree isn’t always necessary, but deep knowledge is.
- Communication Skills: The ability to explain complex ideas simply is gold.
- Tech Familiarity: Tools like Google Workspace, Zoom, Canva, and Excel are a must.
- Personal Branding: A well-crafted LinkedIn page or personal website builds credibility.
- Legal & Financial Know-How: Register your business, handle GST, and price your services fairly.
Platforms Fueling the Consulting Wave
The rise of digital platforms has made consulting more accessible than ever:
- Upwork & Fiverr – For freelance consultants
- LinkedIn – Personal branding and lead generation
- Clarity.fm – Paid calls with global experts
- Indian startups like Superpro.ai and Graphy – Tools for scheduling, payments, and delivery
Challenges Still Exist
Of course, the journey isn’t without hurdles:
- Client acquisition can be slow initially.
- Trust issues—especially in niche or unregulated sectors—require social proof.
- Burnout is real, especially for solo consultants handling everything from sales to service.
But those who weather the initial storm often build long-term authority and income streams through referrals, courses, and digital products.
Conclusion: The Future is Expert-Led
In a country where everyone has an opinion, what sets a consultant apart is the value of structured advice, proven results, and ethical guidance. Consulting in India is no longer the domain of elite MBAs—it’s a democratized, knowledge-powered revolution.
As technology deepens and industries diversify, the next generation of entrepreneurs may not sell products—they’ll sell perspective.
And in a world overflowing with noise, clear, expert advice is not just needed—it’s priceless.
