How Much Does Custom Software Development Cost in India?
Custom software in India ranges from tens of thousands of rupees for a simple website to several lakhs for a multi-module ERP. Price is driven by scope, integrations, user count and how long you need support.
Why nobody publishes a rate card
Software pricing sounds evasive because the same words describe wildly different jobs. 'An inventory system' might mean one person tracking 200 items in one shop, or four branches with batch tracking, expiry alerts and GST returns.
That said, 'it depends, contact us' is not a useful answer either. Here are real ranges, with the caveat that any serious quote follows a conversation about your actual process.
Indicative ranges in India
These are ranges for competent work delivered by a team you can hold accountable. Quotes far below them usually mean a template with your logo on it, or a freelancer who will be unreachable in six months.
| What you need | Typical range | Usual timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Business website, 5 to 10 pages | ₹25,000 – ₹80,000 | 2 – 4 weeks |
| E-commerce store with payments | ₹60,000 – ₹2,50,000 | 4 – 8 weeks |
| Single-module system (billing or inventory) | ₹75,000 – ₹2,00,000 | 4 – 8 weeks |
| Multi-module ERP | ₹2,50,000 – ₹10,00,000+ | 2 – 6 months |
| Mobile app, Android and iOS | ₹1,50,000 – ₹6,00,000 | 6 – 16 weeks |
| Workflow automation | ₹40,000 – ₹1,50,000 | 2 – 5 weeks |
What actually drives the price
- Number of modules and how tightly they connect
- Integrations: payment gateways, GST portals, SMS, WhatsApp, Tally, existing hardware
- Number of users and whether they need different permission levels
- Data migration from your existing registers or spreadsheets
- Whether staff training is included
- Support duration after go-live
The change-request trap
The most common way a software project goes over budget is not dishonesty. It is a vague initial scope. A low quote is agreed, work starts, and every genuine requirement that surfaces becomes a chargeable extra.
Protect yourself by insisting on a written scope before payment, and asking explicitly what is not included. A company that volunteers its exclusions without being asked is usually the safer choice.
One-time cost or subscription?
There are two normal models. A one-time build fee plus an annual maintenance charge, often 15 to 20 percent of the build cost. Or a monthly subscription covering hosting, updates and support.
Subscription is easier on cash flow and keeps the vendor engaged. One-time is cheaper over several years if the system is stable. Neither is a trick, but be clear which you are agreeing to.
Frequently asked questions
Why is custom software more expensive than ready-made software?
Ready-made software spreads its development cost across thousands of customers. Custom software is built once, for you. You pay more upfront and get a system that matches how your business actually runs, instead of changing your process to fit the software.
Can I build it in phases to spread the cost?
Yes, and it is usually the sensible route. Start with the module that hurts most, get it running, then add the rest. It spreads the cost, and you make better decisions about phase two once phase one is in daily use.
What ongoing costs should I expect after launch?
Hosting, typically a few thousand rupees a year for a small system. Annual maintenance of roughly 15 to 20 percent of build cost if you want continued support and updates. Plus any third-party fees such as payment gateway charges or SMS credits.
Is a cheaper quote always worse?
Not always, but ask what accounts for the difference. Often it is a template rather than a build, a freelancer rather than a team, no support after handover, or a scope that leaves out things you will certainly need. The cheapest quote frequently becomes the most expensive project.