How to Start by Setting Up a Consulting Company in India

India is growing fast. Big companies, small businesses, and startups all want to grow and solve problems. Many of them need help to make better decisions and work more efficiently.

If you want to start a consulting company, you can guide these businesses. You can help them improve, plan growth, and fix issues.

This article will show you simple steps to start your own management consulting or business consulting firm. It will explain what you need, how to set up your company, and how to attract clients. By following these steps, you can build a consulting business that helps companies succeed.

Why Now is the Right Time for Setting Up a Consulting Company

• Businesses need strategy consulting, business consulting, and operations consulting.
• The management consulting industry in India is worth USD 8.31 billion in 2025 and will grow to USD 15.25 billion by 2030.
• Small businesses are the fastest-growing clients for business consulting services.
• Many businesses are using digital tools: 47% of micro businesses and 53% of SMEs sell online.
• Technology consulting is growing fast as businesses adopt AI and digital solutions.

Step 1: Choose Your Company Type

• Sole Proprietorship: Good for solo consultants. Easy to start. You are fully responsible for any debts.
• Partnership: For two or more consultants working together. Partners share responsibility and are fully liable.
• Limited Liability Partnership (LLP): Partners are only responsible for the amount they invest. Good balance of safety and flexibility. Register with MCA.
• Private Limited Company: Safe for owners. Good if you want investors. Needs director ID and registration with MCA.

Tip: LLP is often the best starting point for new consulting firms.

Step 2: Complete Legal Requirements

• Choose and reserve a unique company name through MCA portal.
• Get PAN and TAN for tax purposes.
• Register for GST if turnover exceeds ₹20 Lakh or if you provide services across states.
• MSME/Udyam registration is optional but helpful for small firms. It provides government benefits, loans, and faster approvals.

Step 3: Decide Your Services

Focus on what you are good at. Start with one area to build expertise:

• Operations consulting for factories or warehouses
• Financial consulting for startups
• Marketing strategy consultant for shops or online businesses
• Project management consulting services for construction or tech projects

Step 4: Show Clients Your Value

• Explain how you can reduce costs or increase sales.
• Highlight measurable results.
• Treat consulting as an investment, not a cost.

Example: A tech startup in Bangalore hired a growth consulting firm. After six months, their sales increased by 25% using business transformation consultant services.

Step 5: Promote Your Consulting Firm

• Build a brand and website.
• Share online content to show expertise.
• Attend events and network with potential clients.
• Share case studies and success stories.

Step 6: Follow Rules and Grow

• Keep accounts and file taxes on time.
• Check which projects make money and improve weak areas.
• Plan to add new services or expand to new cities.
• Stay updated with trends like AI, digital tools, and online consulting.

Future Trends

• Hybrid consulting: combine strategy, technology, legal, and finance services.
• AI and digital tools will become important in consulting services.
• Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities are growing fast, creating new opportunities.
• Clients like consulting firms that can provide multiple services at one place.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is GST registration needed?

Ans: You need GST only if your business makes more than ₹20 Lakh in a year. You also need it if you sell services to other states. It lets you collect tax legally and claim tax credit.

2. Which company type is best?

Ans: For safety and growth, an LLP or Private Limited company is usually better. These types protect your personal money and make it easier to get investors later.

3. Do I need a degree?

Ans: No, you don’t need a degree to start consulting. But having experience or certificates in your field makes clients trust you more.

4. How much money do I need to start?

Ans: Small consulting businesses can start with very little money, especially from home or online. Bigger businesses need more money for staff, offices, and marketing.

5. What is MSME/Udyam registration?

Ans: MSME or Udyam registration is free for small businesses. It helps you get government loans, schemes, and other benefits to grow your business.

6. What is the difference between a business and management consultant?

Ans: Management consultants help with big decisions for the whole company, like strategy and efficiency. Business consultants help with day-to-day problems and improve specific parts of the business.

7. How long does setup take?

Ans: A Sole Proprietorship can be ready in a few days. LLPs or Private Limited companies usually take 10–20 days because of approvals and registration.

Conclusion

Starting a consulting company in India means helping clients, following the rules, and showing results. Services like management consulting, business consulting, and strategy consulting are in high demand. Focus on building trust and giving real results.

About LawCrust

LawCrust Global Consulting Ltd. helps businesses grow and succeed. We provide advice and support in Management, Finance, Technology, and Legal services to businesses around the world.

We work with startups, small and medium businesses, and big companies, helping them grow efficiently, try new ideas, and handle challenges with confidence.

Our services include:

• Investment Banking – helping with money and investments
• Fundraising – raising funds for your business
• Mergers & Acquisitions – helping companies join or buy others
• Private Placement – finding investors for private funding
• Debt Restructuring & Transformation – helping manage and improve company finances

We work in a simple and flexible way, with clear costs and online support, so businesses can grow without stress.

For expert legal help, please contact us:

• Email: inquiry@lawcrustbusiness.com