Gig Jobs in India: A new way Indian Youth are earning online in 2025

By Prateeksha Thakur | 22/04/2025 | Categories: Education, India

(pic: FREEPIK)

Gig Jobs in India: India’s workforce landscape is undergoing a dramatic transformation, as millions of young Indians are increasingly turning to gig work in search of flexibility, autonomy, and digital empowerment. With traditional 9-to-5 jobs no longer the default aspiration for many, the gig economy has emerged as a viable and attractive alternative.

What is gig work?

Gig work refers to jobs where individuals take up small tasks or projects instead of working full-time for one employer. These tasks can range from delivering food, driving taxis, offering beauty or repair services, to freelancing as writers, designers, or coders. People who do these jobs are called gig workers, and they are usually paid for each task or “gig” they complete.

The rise of digital platforms, coupled with increasing smartphone penetration and widespread internet access, has been a key driver of this growth. Platforms such as Swiggy, Zomato, Urban Company, Ola, and freelancing portals like Upwork and Fiverr have democratized employment, enabling individuals to monetize their skills on their own terms.

According to recent estimates, India currently has between 15 to 20 million gig workers, a sharp rise from the 7.7 million recorded in 2020-21. NITI Aayog projects that this number will surge to 23.5 million by 2029-30, making up approximately 4.1% of the country’s total workforce.

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“I prefer working as a freelancer because it gives me the freedom to choose my projects, manage my schedule, and work from anywhere,” says Nisha Verma, a 26-year-old graphic designer from Bengaluru. Stories like hers are becoming increasingly common among India’s youth, particularly those in urban centers.

Notably, the gig economy spans a range of skill levels. A 2022-23 NITI Aayog report reveals that while 22% of gig work involves high-skilled tasks, 47% is medium-skilled, and 31% is low-skilled. This diversity reflects the sector’s broad appeal and potential to generate income across various demographics.

However, the rise in gig work is not without challenges. Workers often face issues such as a lack of job security, irregular income, and limited access to benefits such as health insurance and retirement funds. Recognizing these concerns, the Indian government has introduced the Code on Social Security, 2020, which includes provisions to extend social protection to gig and platform workers. Some states, like Tamil Nadu, have also rolled out targeted initiatives such as e-scooter subsidies and insurance schemes for delivery personnel.

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For India’s young professionals, gig work offers not just an alternative to traditional employment but a pathway to empowerment, skill-building, and economic mobility. As long as regulatory frameworks continue to evolve to safeguard workers’ rights and well-being, the gig economy could very well define the next chapter of India’s workforce revolution.

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FAQs on Gig work in India

1. What is gig work?
Gig work refers to short-term, task-based jobs where individuals complete specific projects instead of having a permanent full-time job. Examples include food delivery, driving, freelancing as writers, designers, or even app-based jobs like ride-sharing.

2. How is gig work helping Indian youth?
Gig work provides Indian youth with flexibility, allowing them to earn money on their own terms, manage their schedules, and build skills in a range of fields without being tied to traditional 9-to-5 jobs.

3. What are the benefits of gig work in India?
The key benefits of gig work are freedom and flexibility. Gig workers can choose their projects, work remotely, and earn based on tasks they complete, leading to better work-life balance.

4. Are there any challenges with gig work in India?
Yes, gig workers often face challenges like income instability, lack of benefits (health insurance, retirement), and job insecurity. However, government measures, like the Code on Social Security, 2020, are helping address some of these concerns.

5. How many gig workers are there in India?
India currently has between 15-20 million gig workers, and this number is expected to rise to 23.5 million by 2029-30, constituting around 4.1% of the total workforce.