Back in college, like most students, I was constantly broke. Pocket money dried up fast, and part-time jobs near campus were either too far or too low-paying. So, I decided to explore the online world. What started as casual scrolling on YouTube and Google ended with my first ₹10,000 earned online—right from my hostel bed.
Here’s my honest story, what worked, what didn’t, and how you can do it too.
Step 1: Finding a Starting Point (No Investment)
I had zero capital and just a decent Android phone with internet. So I searched for:
- Free ways to earn money online
- Real money-earning apps in India
- Student side hustles
After wasting time on a few fake surveys and apps that never paid, I found my flow through three main paths:
- Content Writing
- Referral Bonuses from Earning Apps
- Instagram Reels for Micro Tasks
Step 2: My First Gig – Writing Articles Online
Thanks to platforms like Freelancer, Upwork, and even Indian sites like Internshala, I came across a gig offering ₹250 per blog. I applied with a short writing sample I had prepared using tips from CashStark.com (yes, really).
Within a week:
- I got my first article approved
- Got paid ₹250 to my Paytm
- Wrote 12 articles in the first month
- Total earned: ₹3,000+
Skills Used: Basic English, time management
Time Spent: 1–2 hours per article
Tip: Start small, but always deliver quality—it builds trust.
Step 3: Earned Through Referral Bonuses
Apps like:
- Roz Dhan
- TaskBucks
- CashKaro
…were offering up to ₹50 per referral at the time. I shared my referral links in:
- WhatsApp groups
- My college Telegram study group
- Instagram Stories with how-to videos
In one month, I got:
- 60+ signups across 3 apps
- ₹2,500 in total Paytm cash
Skills Used: Social media sharing, basic editing
Time Spent: 15–30 mins/day
Tip: Create short demo videos or screenshots showing real payment proofs.
Step 4: Selling Instagram Micro Tasks (₹50–₹200/task)
Believe it or not, I offered to:
- Write captions for small pages
- Design Canva posts
- Post reels for local sellers
I marketed these on my personal Instagram and on college notice boards. Surprisingly, a few classmates running small pages hired me.
Earnings:
- 5–10 small tasks weekly
- ₹4,500 in a month
Skills Used: Canva, basic phone editing, DMs
Time Spent: 1 hour/day
Tip: Offer “Pay After Work” for trust. Most will pay if you deliver.
Total Earned in First 45 Days: ₹10,250
| Source | Amount Earned |
|---|---|
| Freelance Writing | ₹3,000 |
| Referral Bonuses | ₹2,500 |
| Instagram Micro Tasks | ₹4,500 |
| Total | ₹10,250 |
What Didn’t Work (So You Don’t Waste Time)
- Fake survey sites that never paid
- Apps that asked for deposits (avoid!)
- Crypto trading apps with “guaranteed” returns
- Random DMs promising jobs
Lessons I Learned
- Real earning takes consistency – not just luck
- Small gigs add up fast
- Value your time – not all apps are worth the effort
- Trust but verify every offer or platform
If I Can Do It, So Can You
I didn’t have special skills or any money to start. All I had was my phone, free time, and the willingness to learn.
So whether you’re:
- A student looking for side income
- A beginner in the digital world
- Or someone just tired of fake “get rich” schemes
You can start small and hit your first ₹10,000 milestone. Explore platforms like CashStark com, stay consistent, and most importantly—stay honest with your work.
Want to Start Today?
Check out the latest Money-Earning Apps and Freelancing Guides at CashStark.com
Have a question or want a step-by-step guide? Drop a comment—we reply to all!