Online tutoring is one of the most reliable ways to earn from home in India. With millions of students worldwide looking for affordable English tutors, Indian educators have a natural advantage — strong English skills combined with competitive pricing. Preply is one of the leading platforms connecting tutors with students globally.
In this review, we explore how Preply works for Indian tutors, realistic earning expectations, and proven strategies to maximize your income on the platform.
What Is Preply?
Preply is a global online tutoring marketplace connecting students with tutors for over 50 subjects, with language learning being the most popular category. Students book one-on-one video lessons with tutors, paying per hour. Preply handles payments, scheduling, and the video platform.
How Much Can Indian Tutors Earn on Preply?
| Tutor Level | Hourly Rate USD | Monthly INR (20hrs/week) |
|---|---|---|
| New tutor | $5-8 | INR 28,000-45,000 |
| Established (50+ reviews) | $8-15 | INR 45,000-84,000 |
| Top-rated tutor | $15-30 | INR 84,000-1,68,000 |
Indian tutors typically start at USD 5-8 per hour and increase rates as they gain reviews. Teaching 20 hours per week at USD 10 per hour nets approximately INR 56,000 per month after Preply commission.
Getting Started on Preply
Create Your Profile
Your profile is your storefront. Include a professional photo, a short introduction video (2-3 minutes), your teaching qualifications and experience, languages you speak, and your teaching methodology.
Set Competitive Pricing
Start with rates slightly below market average to attract your first students. Once you accumulate 10-15 positive reviews, gradually increase rates by USD 1-2 every month.
Preply Commission Structure
Preply charges a commission on your first lesson with each new student (33 percent) and lower rates on subsequent lessons. After you build a base of recurring students, the effective commission drops significantly.
What Can You Teach?
- English as a Second Language — highest demand, students from Brazil, Turkey, Japan, Korea
- Hindi — growing demand from NRIs and Hindi learners worldwide
- Math and Science — popular with international students
- Test Preparation — IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT coaching
- Programming — Python, JavaScript, data science basics
Tips for Success as an Indian Tutor on Preply
- Record a great intro video — students watch this before booking. Speak clearly, smile, show your personality
- Specialize — IELTS prep tutors or business English tutors can charge 50 percent more than general English tutors
- Be flexible with timezones — offer evening slots for European students and early morning for East Asian students
- Use structured lesson plans — students value organized teaching over casual conversation
- Ask for reviews — after every 5th lesson, politely ask satisfied students to leave a review
- Invest in good equipment — a decent webcam, microphone, and stable internet connection are essential
Withdrawing Earnings to India
Preply pays via Payoneer, direct bank transfer, or Skrill. For the best exchange rates, receive your Preply earnings in USD and convert through Wise to INR. This typically saves 1-3 percent compared to direct bank conversion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a teaching degree to tutor on Preply?
No formal teaching degree is required. However, TEFL/TESOL certification significantly improves your profile visibility and allows higher rates. Many affordable TEFL courses are available on Udemy for INR 500-2,000.
How many students can I expect as a new tutor?
With competitive pricing and a good profile video, most new tutors get their first student within 1-2 weeks. Expect 5-10 regular students within the first 2-3 months.
Is online tutoring taxable in India?
Yes. Online tutoring income is taxable under professional income. If you earn from international students, it qualifies as IT export service which may be GST-exempt.
What internet speed do I need?
Minimum 10 Mbps for stable video calls. A wired connection is more reliable than WiFi for video lessons.
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