- Huge Market Size → India’s education sector is projected to hit ₹18 lakh crore by 2030.
- Investment Range → Start from as low as ₹5 lakh (edtech/coaching) to ₹20 crore+ (K-12 schools).
- Profit Margins → Average 20–40% ROI, with preschools & coaching centers giving the fastest returns.
- Government Push → NEP 2020, Skill India & Digital India are driving franchise opportunities.
- Low Risk, High Trust → Running a franchise of a trusted brand ensures faster growth + better parent trust.
Education is one of the fastest-growing business sectors in India, and franchising has become the go-to model for entrepreneurs who want to start with lower risk and proven success. With India’s education market expected to reach ₹18 lakh crore by 2030 (IBEF), the education franchise business is the real deal for 2025. From playschools to edtech coaching centres, opportunities are everywhere — but you need to know the costs, setup process, and smart hacks to succeed.
What Makes Education Franchise Business a Hot Opportunity in 2025?
The education sector in India is ready for massive growth and might become one of the most profitable business opportunities for entrepreneurs in 2025. Let’s head over to understand why education franchise businesses are catching the eyes of many investors.
India’s booming education market: Key stats
The Indian education market is growing at an incredible pace because of these powerful factors:
- Massive market size: The education sector in India will likely reach ₹18,985.60 billion by FY25.
- Young demographic advantage: India has the world’s largest youth population with 580 million people aged 5-24 years.
- Digital transformation: The online education market in India should grow at a 24.50% CAGR during 2025-2033 and reach USD 20.98 billion by 2033.
- Government backing: NEP 2020 has created a welcoming environment for private investors in education.
- Rising FDI inflow: The education sector attracted ₹71,532 crore in Foreign Direct Investment from April 2000 to December 2024.
Why education is a recession-proof sector
Education has shown amazing resilience during tough economic times:
- Consistent demand: People see education as a necessity, not a luxury, which keeps enrollment steady, whatever the economic situation.
- Counter-cyclical growth: Higher education enrollment usually increases during recessions as people try to boost their skills.
- Parental prioritisation: Parents keep investing in their children’s education even when cutting other expenses.
- Long-term relationships: Students typically stay enrolled for years, which creates steady revenue.
- Pandemic proof: Education institutions quickly adapted to online models during COVID-19, which showed the sector’s flexibility.
How franchising reduces startup risk
Starting an education business through franchising makes more sense as it reduces risks:
- Established brand value: You can utilise an existing reputation and trust to attract students easily.
- Proven business model: You get access to tested systems that have shown success.
- Complete support: You receive help with choosing locations, hiring staff, developing curriculum, and marketing strategies.
- Ready customer base: Many franchisors come with their own customer base, which helps you start quickly.
- Faster break-even: Education franchises usually give returns faster than starting a new business.
Why Education Franchise Outperforms Other Businesses
| Factor | Education Franchise | Other Franchise Businesses |
|---|---|---|
| Market Stability | Recession-resistant with consistent demand | May fluctuate with economic conditions |
| Customer Retention | 60-70% with standardised fee structures | Variable (depends on continuous sales) |
| Profit Margins | High (contributes to the nation’s development) | 10-40% depending on industry |
| Social Impact | High (contributes to nation’s development) | Varies considerably by industry |
| Growth Potential | Expanding to Tier 2/3 cities with less competition | Often saturated in prime locations |
Top Education Franchise Opportunities in India (2025)
Image Source: Bright Kid Montessori
The Indian education franchise sector provides opportunities of all types. Here are the top franchises that promise strong returns in 2025.
1. Henry Harvin Education
This 10-year-old upskilling platform operates in 97+ countries. Their franchise model features a 50:50 revenue-sharing ratio with full technology, marketing, and sales support. You’ll need an office space of 100-250 sq ft and a nominal sign-up fee. The platform has helped over 300,000 learners master content writing, digital marketing, and IT skills.
2. Brainywood
This 7-year-old Guinness World Record holder specialises in memory science and brain development courses. A Brainywood franchise needs an investment of ₹3-6 lakhs and office space of 500-800 sq ft. The monthly profit potential ranges between ₹1-2 lakhs. They give detailed support with business activity guidance, certification, and complete CRM support.
3. Mindbox
Mindbox enhances creativity and critical thinking through design, coding, and multimedia courses. The investment ranges from ₹7-10 lakhs with a monthly earnings potential of up to ₹3 lakhs. The business needs approximately 800-1000 sq ft of space to work well.
4. IIHT
Indian Institute of Hardware Technology provides detailed IT training with a strong market presence. The investment requirement ranges from ₹12-20 lakhs with a monthly income potential between ₹4-6 lakhs. Their franchise model gives access to their integrated learning platform, detailed support, and room for unlimited growth.
5. Educomp
Educomp leads in digital education solutions with smart classroom services and e-learning content. The franchise needs ₹8-12 lakhs and approximately 800 sq ft space. The monthly income potential ranges from ₹3-5 lakhs with their extensive digital content repository.
6. CMC Academy
This Tata Enterprise delivers industry-relevant IT and software training. The investment requirements range from ₹10-15 lakhs with a monthly income potential of ₹3-5 lakhs. The business needs at least 1000 sq ft of space, and they offer detailed franchisee training and marketing assistance.
7. Nava Vision
Nava Vision specialises in skill upgrading and child development programs. The business requires an investment of ₹4-7 lakhs and a space of 600-900 sq ft. The monthly income potential ranges between ₹1.5-2.5 lakhs. They provide detailed support with marketing assistance and business partner programs.
8. Topp Scholars
This growing learning platform offers personalised coaching for school students. The investment requirements range from ₹50,000 to ₹2 lakhs, with space needs of 600-900 sq ft. The monthly income potential ranges between ₹2-4 lakhs, with an expected ROI of about 300% and a payback period of 6 months.
How Much Does It Cost to Start an Education Franchise in India?
You need to understand what it means financially before starting an education franchise business. Let’s get into what you’ll need to invest right from the start.
Original investment range (₹3 lakh to ₹20 lakh)
Starting an education franchise costs different amounts based on the type:
- Preschool franchises: Need ₹5 lakhs to ₹30 lakhs based on location and brand reputation
- Coaching centres: Range from ₹3 lakhs (Brainywood) to ₹20 lakhs (IIHT)
- Skill development centers: Need ₹10 lakhs to ₹50 lakhs
- Online education platforms: Start from as low as ₹1 lakh to ₹25 lakhs
Premium brands with market presence just need higher investments. Newer brands might offer more budget-friendly options.
Office space requirements by brand
Each brand needs a different space:
- Henry Harvin: 100-250 sq ft (home-based model available)
- Brainywood: 500-800 sq ft
- Mindbox: 800-1000 sq ft
- CMC Academy: 1000 sq ft minimum
- IIHT: 800 sq ft with a dedicated computer lab
Most ed-tech franchises need 500-1000 square feet of office space. Location and teaching model can change these requirements.
Hidden costs: marketing, staff, tech setup
Beyond the original franchise fee, you should plan for these expenses:
- Marketing costs: ₹10-20 lakhs for original campaigns
- Staff salaries: ₹30 lakhs to ₹1 crore yearly for teachers and support staff
- Technology integration: ₹10-25 lakhs for smart classrooms and computer labs
- Licensing and compliance: ₹2-5 lakhs to get the necessary permits
- Furniture and equipment: ₹10-30 lakhs based on centre size
Your budget should include curriculum materials, renovation costs, and ongoing royalty fees to the franchisor.
ROI expectations: Monthly income potential
Education franchises can bring good returns:
- Henry Harvin: ₹2-4 lakhs monthly
- Brainywood: ₹1-2 lakhs monthly
- Mindbox: Up to ₹3 lakhs monthly
- IIHT: ₹2-4 lakhs monthly
- CMC Academy: ₹3-5 lakhs monthly
Businesses usually break even between 6 months to 3 years. Branded schools reach profitability faster than independent startups.
Education Franchise Investment Comparison
| Franchise Type | Investment Range | Monthly Earning Potential |
|---|---|---|
| Preschool | ₹5-30 lakhs | ₹1.5-6 lakhs |
| Coaching Center | ₹3-20 lakhs | ₹1-4 lakhs |
| Skill Development | ₹10-50 lakhs | ₹3-5 lakhs |
What Support Do Franchisors Provide to New Partners?
Image Source: eduMETA THE i-SCHOOL
Success in education franchising largely depends on the support you get from your franchisor. Here’s what franchisors typically give their new partners to run smoothly.
Training and onboarding
Your first steps include detailed training programs that run from several days to weeks. These sessions teach you about operations, teaching methods, and admin systems. Research shows that franchisees who get well-laid-out training become profitable 15-20% faster. Most franchisors give you:
- Original business training at their headquarters
- Hands-on practice with equipment and systems
- Staff hiring and evaluation protocols
- Special training for teachers to deliver the curriculum
Marketing and branding help
Getting students through marketing is vital – even great schools can struggle without enough enrollments. Your franchisor will provide:
- Brand guidelines with logo usage and colour schemes
- Local marketing plans for community events and school partnerships
- Digital marketing helps with social media schedules
- Scripts for counsellors to turn questions into enrollments
Tech and curriculum support
Technology integration shapes everything in today’s digital world. Your franchisor will give you clear instructions about EdTech setup, including hardware specs, software setup, and troubleshooting guides. You’ll also get an updated curriculum to stay current with the latest educational advances.
Ongoing mentorship and audits
Support continues well after launch. Your franchisor will check compliance, operations, and academic standards monthly or quarterly. They’ll also guide you through revenue models, royalty payments, and cost management to keep your business profitable.
Types of Franchisor Support
| Support Type | What’s Provided | Business Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Operational | SOPs, manuals, business protocols | Reduces early-stage errors by 20% |
| Academic | Curriculum, teaching resources, assessment tools | Ensures quality education delivery |
| Technical | LMS integration, digital platforms, troubleshooting | Streamlines administration processes |
How to Start an Education Franchise Business Step-by-Step
Want to start your own education franchise? A successful educational venture needs careful planning and the right execution. Here’s a detailed roadmap to help you through the process.
1. Choose your education niche
You should pick a segment that lines up with what you love and what students need:
- Segment fit: Pick between preschool, K-12, coaching centres, or edtech based on your interests
- Location strategy: Premium brands work best in metro cities, while tier-2 towns are great for mass-market opportunities
- Investment capacity: Make sure your budget matches setup and running costs
- Scalability potential: Look for models you can grow in the future
2. Research and shortlist franchisors
Start by breaking down potential franchise partners through:
- Looking at their market presence and reputation among parents and communities
- Reading reviews, parent feedback, and academic outcomes
- Looking at the technology platform and curriculum quality
- Understanding the financial structure, including franchise fees and royalties
3. Apply and attend meetings
After finding potential franchisors:
- Send your application showing interest in partnership
- Submit the required documents for verification
- Book an online meeting with the franchise team
- Meet the core team to understand requirements and partnership details
4. Sign the agreement and get licenses
Before you launch:
- Read and understand the partnership agreement really well
- Set up a legal entity (Society, Trust, or Section 8 Company for CBSE schools)
- Get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the state government
- Get recognition from relevant education authorities
5. Set up your centre and launch
The final steps include:
- Creating classrooms that meet franchisor standards
- Hiring qualified teachers and staff
- Finishing all training programs
- Starting marketing campaigns to attract students
Education Franchise Niche Comparison
| Niche Type | Investment Range | Ideal Location |
|---|---|---|
| Preschool | ₹5-30 lakhs | Residential areas |
| Coaching centers | ₹3-20 lakhs | Near schools/colleges |
| K-12 schools | ₹3+ crore | Developing localities |
How Profitable Is an Education Franchise in India?
The numbers tell an amazing story! Education franchises in India show a soaring win rate of 80% while independent schools achieve only 20%. Several factors contribute to this outstanding profitability.
The sheer size of India’s education market is a vital factor, and experts project it to reach ₹18,985.60 billion by 2025. These franchises save money because they don’t need large spaces or expensive equipment to operate.
Research shows that branded pre-schools or K-12 schools in metropolitan areas can earn back their investment within 2-4 years. The monthly fees vary by location:
- Tier 1 cities: ₹10,000 to ₹25,000 per student
- Tier 2 cities: ₹4,000 to ₹8,000 per student
Metro areas need higher original investments (₹1.5 crore to ₹5 crore) but deliver faster and bigger returns. Tier 2 cities have become growth hotspots with student enrollment growing 12-15% each year.
These educational franchises are profitable for three main reasons. They create a steady income through long-term programs. Their brand recognition helps attract more students. Government policies support and strengthen the education sector’s growth.
Education franchises give compelling returns on investment, especially now that all but one of these three private schools in India run under franchise models.
Case Study
Success stories of Indian education franchise owners paint a vivid picture of the sector. Anjali Gupta from Bengaluru started Dreamtime Learning preschool in a single classroom. Her school grew into a bustling learning centre within a year. “What sets Dreamtime apart is the curriculum,” Anjali explains. “It’s not just about letters and numbers—it’s about nurturing the whole child through global perspectives and hands-on learning.”
A couple in Pune, Rohan and Priya Sharma, built a top early learning centre without any teaching experience. “The support we received was phenomenal,” notes Rohan. “From curriculum understanding to school layout design, our franchisor guided us through every step.”
Sameer Malhotra’s story stands out remarkably. He wanted to help his community and partnered with an education franchise that focused on activity-based learning. His village school quickly earned praise for its unique methods that helped bridge urban and rural education gaps.
These stories show a vital advantage—franchise systems provide solid frameworks that owners can customise. The Sharma siblings proved this in Mumbai with their “Little Innovators Lab.” Their program lets four-year-olds design simple machines. The right education franchise enables entrepreneurs to create successful businesses while making a difference in education.
Conclusion
The education franchise business in India is one of the safest and most profitable ventures in 2025. With rising demand, government backing, and trusted brand models, entrepreneurs can start small (preschools/coaching) or go big (K-12 schools). The key is choosing the right franchise brand, location, and budget fit. If done right, this business ensures not just profits, but also long-term social impact.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
👉 Starts from ₹5 lakh (edtech or small coaching).
👉 Preschools and coaching centres give the fastest ROI.
👉 Usually 5–20% of monthly revenue.
👉 Yes, you need Shops & Establishment, Fire Safety, and local approvals.
👉 1–3 years, depending on the type of franchise.
👉 Yes, most top brands provide training + curriculum support.
👉 Yes, through Mudra Yojana, SIDBI, and bank loans.
👉 Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities with young working parents.
👉 Poor location choice and lack of quality teachers.
👉 Only small edtech/tutoring models; preschools need a physical setup.
