Beyond the Hype: Unexpected Industries with Best Franchise in India Right Now

When we think about the best franchise in India, most people imagine fast food chains like McDonald’s, Domino’s, or Subway. While these are popular, the real opportunities in 2025 lie in unexpected industries where competition is low, demand is rising, and investment is more affordable. From healthcare to renewable energy, India’s changing economy is opening the door for unique franchise opportunities that can turn into profitable ventures.

In this article, we’ll explore unexpected yet booming industries offering the best franchise in India right now, backed by real examples, numbers, and practical insights.

Why Franchising in India is Growing Fast

• India has 1.4 billion people, making it the largest youth-driven consumer market in the world.

• The Indian franchise industry is valued at over ₹800 billion and is growing at 30-35% annually.

• Around 35% of Indian franchises are in non-food industries, proving that opportunities exist beyond restaurants and cafes.

• Low-cost franchises (₹5–20 lakh investment) are helping first-time entrepreneurs start their journey.

10 Unexpected Industries with the Best Franchise in India

Here are the industries and examples where you can find the best franchise in India right now:

1. Healthcare & Diagnostics 🩺

• Rising demand for preventive health checkups and affordable diagnostics.

• High ROI as health services are essential, not luxury.

• Franchise Example: Dr. Lal PathLabs, Thyrocare, Apollo Diagnostics.

💡 Why it’s the best: Even small towns are seeing demand for reliable diagnostic centers.

2. Education & EdTech Learning Centers 📚

• India’s education sector is expected to reach $225 billion by 2025.

• Parents invest heavily in after-school coaching, coding, and skill training.

• Franchise Example: Kumon, BYJU’S Learning Centers, EuroKids.

💡 Why it’s the best: Rising demand for skill-based learning like coding, robotics, and AI for children.

3. Renewable Energy & EV Charging Stations ⚡

• EV market in India is projected to grow at 49% CAGR till 2030.

• Government is heavily subsidizing solar energy and EV infrastructure.

• Franchise Example: Charge+Zone, Tata Power EV, Loom Solar.

💡 Why it’s the best: Future-proof business with green growth potential.

4. Beauty, Wellness & Grooming 💄

• India’s beauty & wellness industry is worth ₹80,000 crore.

• Demand for salons, spas, grooming centers is rising in both cities and towns.

• Franchise Example: Lakmé Salon, VLCC, Naturals Unisex Salon.

💡 Why it’s the best: Repeat customers = steady recurring income.

5. Logistics & Courier Services 📦

• With e-commerce booming, demand for last-mile delivery services is sky-high.

• Franchise Example: DTDC, Delhivery Partner Program, Blue Dart.

💡 Why it’s the best: Every small business and online seller needs logistics support.

6. Food-Tech Cloud Kitchens 🍲

• Cloud kitchen market expected to hit $2 billion by 2026.

• Lower investment compared to dine-in restaurants.

• Franchise Example: Rebel Foods (Behrouz Biryani, Faasos), Biryani by Kilo.

💡 Why it’s the best: High margins, low rentals, growing demand for online food orders.

💡Pro Tip: Learn all about Cloud Kitchen Business with this comprehensive course on Boss Wallah.

7. Fitness & Gym Chains 🏋️

• India has over 100 million health-conscious youth.

• Fitness franchise industry growing at 18-20% CAGR.

• Franchise Example: Anytime Fitness, Gold’s Gym, Talwalkars.

💡 Why it’s the best: Consistent membership model = predictable monthly revenue.

8. Pet Care & Grooming 🐶

• India is the fastest-growing pet care market, worth ₹7,500 crore.

• Demand for pet grooming, food, boarding, and veterinary services.

• Franchise Example: Pawsh, ScoobyScrub, Just Dogs.

💡 Why it’s the best: Pet owners spend generously and repeatedly.

9. Co-Working Spaces 💼

• Gig economy and startups fueling demand for flexible offices.

• Franchise Example: Regus, Awfis, Smartworks.

💡 Why it’s the best: Even small cities are seeing entrepreneurs moving away from traditional offices.

10. Water Purification & Clean Drinking Water 💧

• Over 70% of Indian households lack access to clean drinking water.

• Franchise Example: Kent Water Purifiers, Zero B Water Solutions.

💡 Why it’s the best: Water is non-negotiable, and recurring filter sales ensure long-term profits.

💡Pro Tip: Learn all about Scaling Up Your Business with this comprehensive course on Boss Wallah.

📊 Comparison Table: Unexpected Industries with Best Franchise in India

Industry	Investment Range (₹)	Profit Margin	Growth Potential
Healthcare Diagnostics	10–20 lakh	20–30%	Very High
EdTech Learning	5–15 lakh	25–40%	Very High
Renewable Energy & EV	10–30 lakh	30–50%	High
Beauty & Wellness	10–25 lakh	20–30%	High
Logistics & Courier	2–10 lakh	15–25%	High
Cloud Kitchens	5–15 lakh	25–35%	Very High
Fitness & Gyms	15–50 lakh	20–30%	Medium-High
Pet Care & Grooming	5–10 lakh	25–40%	High
Co-Working Spaces	20–50 lakh	30–40%	Medium-High
Water Purification	5–15 lakh	20–30%	High

✅ Conclusion

The best franchise in India is no longer limited to fast food chains. As India’s economy evolves, new industries like healthcare, EV charging, logistics, and pet care are becoming game-changers. These sectors offer low-risk entry, high growth, and steady demand, making them perfect for first-time entrepreneurs.

If you want to build a future-proof business, consider exploring one of these unexpected industries.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best franchise in India with low investment? DTDC courier, BYJU’S Learning Centers, or small cloud kitchens.

2. How much does it cost to start a franchise in India? Franchise costs range from ₹2 lakh (small logistics) to ₹50 lakh (gyms & co-working).

3. Which is the fastest-growing franchise industry in India? EdTech, EV charging, and pet care industries.

4. Can I run a franchise from home? Yes, cloud kitchens, tutoring centers, and e-commerce logistics kiosks can be home-based.

5. Do franchises guarantee profit? No guarantee, but trusted brands reduce risks compared to starting alone.

6. How do I choose the right franchise? Look for industries with rising demand, low competition, and support from franchisors.

7. Is food franchise still profitable in India? Yes, but cloud kitchens are safer and cheaper than dine-in restaurants.

8. Which franchise has the highest ROI? EdTech and logistics franchises often deliver 25–40% ROI.

9. Do I need prior experience to run a franchise? Not always—most franchisors provide training and support.

10. What are the hidden costs in franchises? Royalty fees, marketing fees, and infrastructure setup.