API and backend development cost in India (2026)

Short answer: a REST API starts at ₹30,000 (about 5-10 days) and a GraphQL API at ₹40,000. Individual backend features such as authentication (₹18,000) or caching (₹12,000) are priced separately.

APIs and data

• REST API Development — from ₹30,000 per project, about 5-10 days
• GraphQL API Development — from ₹40,000 per project, about 7-12 days
• Database Design & Setup — from ₹20,000 per project, about 3-5 days
• Microservices Architecture — from ₹60,000 per project, about 15-20 days

Common backend features

• Authentication System (JWT/OAuth) — from ₹18,000 per feature, about 3-5 days
• Caching Layer (Redis) — from ₹12,000 per feature, about 2-3 days
• Message Queue Setup (Redis/RabbitMQ) — from ₹18,000 per feature, about 3-5 days
• Webhook System — from ₹12,000 per feature, about 2-3 days
• Third-party API Integration — from ₹15,000 per integration, about 2-4 days
• Email & SMS Service Integration — from ₹12,000 per integration, about 2-3 days

REST or GraphQL?

REST is simpler and a good default. GraphQL helps when many different clients need different slices of the same data.

What changes the price

• Endpoints and data models: more resources mean more build and tests.
• Integrations: every third-party API has its own quirks.
• Real-time and background work: queues, webhooks and sockets add moving parts.

FAQ

Do I need microservices?

Rarely at the start. A well-structured single service is faster to build and cheaper to run; microservices (₹60,000) pay off with large teams and scale.

Is GST included?

No. Prices exclude 18% GST.

Prices are indicative starting points in INR from the StackFox catalogue and exclude 18% GST. Final cost depends on scope.

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