The preschool and daycare industry in India is experiencing significant growth, driven by factors such as the increasing number of working women, rising awareness of early childhood education’s importance, and the growing number of nuclear families. The Indian preschool market is valued at US$ 4.2 billion in 2023 and is projected at US$ 10.2 billion by 2032, demonstrating a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10% between 2024 – 2032.

The major urban centers like Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad are particularly seeing a surge in demand due to their large populations and significant number of working parents. Franchise opportunities within this sector are plentiful, with many of these major players offering lucrative options for entrepreneurs.

From industry leaders like Kidzee and EuroKids to rising stars like Bachpan, we’ll discuss the key players and what makes them stand out in this vibrant landscape and what investment you need to join them. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or a newcomer eager to make a difference, join us as we delve into daycare franchise

Low Investment Daycare Franchise

Podar Jumbo Kids

Podar Jumbo Kids is part of the renowned Podar Education Network, known for its innovative and child-centric teaching methods. The franchise focuses on holistic development with an emphasis on fun and learning through play (Podar Jumbo Kids).

Cost Estimation:

Initial Investment: ₹6-6.5 Lakhs

Royalty Fees: 20%

Marketing and Setup Costs: Approximately ₹1-2 Lakhs

Operational Expenses: Varies based on location and size

Kids Gurukulam Preschool

Kids Gurukulam Preschool offers a unique blend of traditional values and modern teaching aids, providing a vibrant learning environment. They focus on nurturing creativity and curiosity among young learners (Kids Gurukulam Preschool).

Cost Estimation:

Initial Investment: ₹5-7 Lakhs

Royalty Fees: 10%

Marketing and Setup Costs: Estimated ₹1 Lakh

Operational Expenses: Depends on the operational scale and local cost factors

Balloons PlayGroup & Nursery

Balloons Playgroup & Nursery emphasizes a nurturing and stimulating environment where children can explore and grow. They focus on early childhood care and education through innovative learning tools (Balloons PlayGroup & Nursery).

Cost Estimation:

Initial Investment: ₹4-6 Lakhs

Royalty Fees: Information not specifically detailed

Marketing and Setup Costs: Approximately ₹0.5-1 Lakh

Operational Expenses: Variable, dependent on location and enrollment numbers

Brainy Bear

Brainy Bear provides a curriculum that emphasizes interactive and practical learning experiences to foster early cognitive development. The franchise aims to create a joyful learning environment with a focus on innovative educational practices (Brainy Bear).

Cost Estimation:

Initial Investment: ₹5-10 Lakhs

Royalty Fees: 6%

Marketing and Setup Costs: Estimated ₹1-2 Lakhs

Operational Expenses: Based on center size and market location

Foster Kids

Foster Kids is a growing chain of preschools that offers an education-focused curriculum designed to nurture young minds in a creative and engaging manner. The brand is known for its professional management and supportive franchise system (Foster Kids).

Cost Estimation:

Initial Investment: ₹5-10 Lakhs

Royalty Fees: Variable, details need to be confirmed with franchisor

Marketing and Setup Costs: Around ₹1-1.5 Lakhs

Operational Expenses: Influenced by local conditions and franchise size

Medium Investment Daycare Franchise

Brainworks

Brainworks, established in 2008, offers a franchise model that focuses on holistic child development through play-based education. The franchise is designed for rapid scalability and support, emphasizing personalized child care (Brainworks).

Cost Estimation:

Initial Investment: ₹5-10 Lakhs

Royalty Fees: Not specified in the available data

Marketing and Setup Costs: Approx. ₹1-2 Lakhs

Operational Expenses: Vary based on location and size

Bachpan

Bachpan, started in 2004, rapidly expanded to over 1200 play schools across India. Known for its robust curriculum that includes digital learning, Bachpan provides extensive support to franchisees (Bachpan).

Cost Estimation:

Initial Investment: ₹5-10 Lakhs

Royalty Fees: Standard industry rates apply

Marketing and Setup Costs: Estimated ₹1.5-3 Lakhs

Operational Expenses: Depending on the city and center size

Little Millennium

Founded in 2014, Little Millennium is part of Educomp Solutions, focusing on nurturing well-rounded development through innovative and interactive learning methods (Little Millennium).

Cost Estimation:

Initial Investment: ₹10-15 Lakhs

Royalty Fees: 15%

Marketing and Setup Costs: Around ₹2-3 Lakhs

Operational Expenses: Depends on enrollment and operational efficiency

KinderCare

Kinder Care focuses on providing a safe and educational environment for children, with an emphasis on early childhood education and care. The franchise offers comprehensive training and operational support (KinderCare).

Cost Estimation:

Initial Investment: ₹10-20 Lakhs 

Royalty Fees: Typically 10-15%

Marketing and Setup Costs: Estimated ₹2-4 Lakhs

Operational Expenses: Varied based on location and services offered

Hello Kids Preschool

Hello Kids, catering to children from nursery to kindergarten, blends education with fun activities. It is known for its affordability and no-royalty fee structure, making it an attractive option for new entrepreneurs (Hello Kids Preschool).

Cost Estimation:

Initial Investment: ₹6-12 Lakhs

Royalty Fees: Zero (as per the franchise model)

Marketing and Setup Costs: Approx. ₹1-2 Lakhs

Operational Expenses: Subject to the scale of operations and location

High Investment Daycare Franchise

Kidzee

Kidzee, part of the Zee Learn group, is Asia’s largest network of preschools with a child-centric approach that promotes individual learning through its innovative curriculum. The brand focuses on nurturing young minds to prepare them for school and beyond (Kidzee).

Cost Estimation:

Initial Investment: ₹20-30 Lakhs

Royalty Fees: 15%

Marketing and Setup Costs: Estimated ₹3-5 Lakhs

Operational Expenses: Varied based on location, size, and enrollment

KLAY

KLAY Schools provide early education and care with a focus on real-world application, emotional intelligence, and cultural awareness. KLAY aims to set a benchmark in the early childhood education sector in India (KLAY).

Cost Estimation:

Initial Investment: ₹30-50 Lakhs

Royalty Fees: 10-12%

Marketing and Setup Costs: Approximately ₹4-6 Lakhs

Operational Expenses: Depends on the center’s capacity and operational efficiency

Footprints Childcare

Footprints Childcare offers an internationally recognized curriculum and maintains high standards of safety and hygiene. Known for its innovative teaching methods and focus on child development, Footprints supports franchisees comprehensively (Footprints Childcare).

Cost Estimation:

Initial Investment: ₹25-35 Lakhs

Royalty Fees: Information not specified

Marketing and Setup Costs: About ₹2-4 Lakhs

Operational Expenses: Can vary significantly with location and services offered

T.I.M.E. Kids

T.I.M.E. Kids preschools are part of the renowned T.I.M.E. education group, known for its focus on all-round development and readiness for formal schooling. The franchise provides strong support in curriculum development and teacher training (T.I.M.E. Kids).

Cost Estimation:

Initial Investment: ₹15-25 Lakhs

Royalty Fees: 10%

Marketing and Setup Costs: Estimated ₹2-3 Lakhs

Operational Expenses: Subject to scale and scope of operations in different locales

Wrapping Up

Franchising emerges as a particularly attractive avenue within the education sector, offering a pathway for entrepreneurs to contribute to and benefit from the industry’s growth. Key players like Kidzee, EuroKids, and Bachpan are pioneering this expansion, providing robust franchise models that ensure quality and reach across diverse Indian locales.

As the market continues to mature, these franchises are set to define the standards of care and education, making a significant impact on the educational landscape of the country. The ongoing evolution of the Indian preschool and daycare industry is a testament to the increasing emphasis on quality early education, underpinned by a blend of traditional care and modern pedagogical techniques.

Ready to dive deeper into the world of franchising? We’ve covered more than just daycare franchise! Check out our articles on pet care, ice cream, automotive franchises, and more. Discover how these sectors are innovating and growing, and how you can be a part of it.