OpenAI is making a major move to strengthen its presence in India by offering ChatGPT Go free for an entire year. The announcement comes shortly after the launch of its affordable plan earlier this year. Beginning November 4, users across India will be able to upgrade their ChatGPT experience at no cost — a limited-time offer designed to supercharge adoption in one of the world’s most dynamic tech markets.
Why ChatGPT Go is Free in India
OpenAI confirmed the rollout on Tuesday but did not specify how long the promotion would last. Current ChatGPT Go subscribers in India will automatically receive an additional 12 months of free access, ensuring loyal users also benefit from the expansion.
The reasoning behind this offer is clear: to accelerate OpenAI’s growth in a market with immense digital potential. India currently boasts over 700 million smartphone users and more than a billion internet subscribers, making it a fertile ground for rapid AI adoption. The country has also become a global hub for digital education, business innovation, and creative industries that increasingly rely on AI tools.
Earlier this year, OpenAI established its first office in New Delhi, signaling a deeper commitment to India’s technology ecosystem and partnerships with local developers.
What is ChatGPT Go?
Launched in India in August, ChatGPT Go is OpenAI’s most budget-friendly subscription tier, priced at under $5 per month. It offers a number of premium features, including:
- Higher message and image generation limits
- File upload support and access to advanced GPT models
- Improved memory for personalized responses
- A faster, more consistent AI experience
Following its successful debut in India, ChatGPT Go was expanded to Indonesia and 16 additional markets across Asia.
Why India Matters to OpenAI
Despite ChatGPT’s global success, monetization in India remains a challenge. According to data from Appfigures cited by TechCrunch, the ChatGPT app recorded 29 million downloads between May and August, yet generated only $3.6 million in revenue during that period.
By offering ChatGPT Go free for a year, OpenAI aims to increase user engagement and brand loyalty — a long-term investment to build a strong base before expecting widespread paid adoption.
Upcoming India-Focused Announcements
OpenAI’s timing is no coincidence. The company will host its DevDay Exchange conference in Bengaluru on November 4, where it plans to unveil new features and programs specifically designed for Indian developers and businesses.
Competition in the Indian AI market is heating up. Perplexity recently partnered with Airtel to offer free Pro access to 360 million users, while Google announced one-year free AI Pro plans for Indian students.
By providing a full year of free ChatGPT Go access, OpenAI is making a bold and strategic play to dominate India’s rapidly expanding AI landscape. The initiative not only democratizes access to cutting-edge AI tools but also positions OpenAI as a trusted partner in the country’s digital transformation journey.
For millions of Indian users, this could be the perfect moment to experience the power of ChatGPT Go — no strings attached.