OpenAI to offer Indian users a free year of ChatGPT Go
- ByStartupStory | October 28, 2025
In a landmark initiative to deepen its engagement with one of its fastest-growing markets, OpenAI announced that it will offer its subscription service, ChatGPT Go, free of cost to users in India for one full year. This limited-time promotional offer begins on November 4, coinciding with OpenAI’s first-ever DevDay Exchange event in Bengaluru.
Making AI Affordable and Accessible
ChatGPT Go, launched in India in August 2025, is OpenAI’s mid-tier subscription plan designed specifically to meet the needs of Indian users who wanted advanced AI features without premium pricing barriers. At just ₹399 per month (approximately $4.54), it offers enhanced message limits, the ability to generate images, file uploads, and extended memory for more personalized and contextually aware conversations.
Since rollout, the number of paid ChatGPT subscribers in India more than doubled within the first month, highlighting the strong demand for affordable access to the latest GPT-5-powered tools.
An “India-First” Commitment
OpenAI describes this free-for-one-year initiative as part of its India-first approach, conscious of India’s vast digital population—over a billion internet users and 700 million smartphone users. Millions of Indians use ChatGPT daily, including professionals, students, and developers across sectors who rely on AI for enhanced learning, productivity, creativity, and research.
Nick Turley, OpenAI’s Vice President and Head of ChatGPT, expressed enthusiasm about the ongoing growth and creativity of Indian users. He said, “The adoption and innovative use of ChatGPT Go in India has been inspiring. Ahead of our DevDay Exchange event in Bengaluru, we want to make the power of advanced AI accessible to even more people.”
The offer also applies to existing ChatGPT Go subscribers, who will be extended the free 12-month access period as part of the promotion.
Strategic Timing and Industry Context
The announcement aligns with growing momentum around artificial intelligence in India, supported by government initiatives such as the IndiaAI Mission and the upcoming AI Impact Summit. India is rapidly positioning itself as a major player in global AI adoption, and OpenAI’s free access promotion underscores its commitment to driving AI ecosystem growth locally.
The move also comes amid increasing competition in the Indian market. Rival startups and tech giants, including Google with its Gemini AI Pro service and Perplexity, are rolling out initiatives to increase premium AI adoption among Indian users—some offering free trial periods to entice users.
Wider Implications for AI Adoption
Free access to ChatGPT Go is expected to substantially boost AI literacy and experimentation across India’s diverse population. Students will gain affordable tools for study support and skill upgradation, developers will get enhanced capabilities to build AI-driven applications, and small-to-medium businesses can improve their operations and customer engagement through AI-powered automation.
This democratization of high-end AI tools could accelerate digital inclusion and innovation in India’s burgeoning tech economy, especially for users outside metropolitan areas who previously faced cost barriers.
What Users Can Expect
Besides increased query capacity and richer conversational memory, ChatGPT Go users can generate images directly from text, upload files for analysis, and benefit from GPT-5’s latest advancements in language understanding and generation. This equips users with a versatile AI assistant capable of supporting a wide range of tasks—from creative writing and coding to complex data interpretation.
Conclusion
OpenAI’s decision to provide ChatGPT Go free for a year in India is a landmark gesture reflecting the country’s importance in the global AI landscape. As millions of Indians eagerly begin to explore and utilize these advanced capabilities, the initiative can be seen as a critical enabler for technological equity, skill development, and digital transformation.
This bold move not only strengthens OpenAI’s local presence but also provides a strong foundation for India’s AI ecosystem to thrive—accelerating innovation, educational opportunities, and economic growth driven by AI.
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