OpenAI has officially unveiled its most ambitious education initiative to date in India, announcing the distribution of five lakh free ChatGPT Plus accounts to students and teachers over the next six months. This landmark step, launched under the OpenAI Learning Accelerator programme, makes India the first country in the world to benefit from the initiative before it expands globally.
How Access Will Work
The rollout will be executed through three primary channels:
- Ministry of Education – Government school teachers in grades 1–12 will receive ChatGPT Plus accounts to support classroom learning.
- AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education) – Technical institutes across India will integrate the tool to help students and faculty strengthen their digital and research skills.
- ARISE Network Schools – K–12 teachers will undergo training to incorporate AI tools into everyday teaching practices.
Leadership and Vision
To spearhead this initiative, OpenAI has appointed Raghav Gupta, former Head of Coursera India and APAC, as Head of Education for India and Asia Pacific. Gupta’s role will focus on ensuring that AI enhances learning experiences rather than replacing traditional teaching methods. He will work closely with schools, universities, and government bodies to maintain smooth collaboration and effective implementation.
Focus on Research and Collaboration
OpenAI is also exploring the long-term role of AI in education. As part of this vision, it has partnered with IIT Madras in a $500,000 collaboration to study how AI can reshape classroom teaching practices and keep students engaged. This research will serve as a foundation for scaling AI-based educational models globally.
Expanding Presence in India
India is set to play a leading role in OpenAI’s global education roadmap. The company is preparing to open its first office in New Delhi later this year, with CEO Sam Altman scheduled to visit India ahead of the September 2025 launch.
In addition, OpenAI has introduced a special subscription plan for Indian users, called ChatGPT Go, priced at ₹399 per month. The plan includes higher daily usage limits, expanded memory, and convenient UPI payment support, making advanced AI tools more accessible across the country.
A Step Towards AI-Integrated Education
Through free access, government partnerships, and research collaborations, OpenAI is positioning itself as a transformative force in Indian education. By working with schools and universities, the company aims to build AI-powered learning models that can later be replicated worldwide.
India’s role as the pilot country highlights the nation’s growing importance in the global AI landscape, with OpenAI framing its initiative as a partnership to modernize education and prepare students and teachers for the future.