Key Points:
- ChatGPT Go free subscription: Available in India for one year starting Nov 4.
- AI Rivalry: Google and Perplexity also offer free plans.
- India Focus: Move aligns with new AI rules and market growth.
OpenAI said on Tuesday it will offer a ChatGPT Go free subscription for one year to users in India starting Nov. 4. The Microsoft-backed startup said the move aims to increase adoption in what has become its second-largest market.
ChatGPT Go, launched in India in August, is OpenAI’s most affordable plan. It is currently priced at 399 rupees ($4.54) per month and includes faster responses, image generation, and voice interaction features.
India key to OpenAI’s growth
The decision follows India’s rising importance in OpenAI’s global strategy. Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman said earlier this year that India is the company’s second-largest user base after the United States and could soon become its biggest.
India’s rapid internet growth, affordable mobile data, and widespread use of AI tools have made it a critical testing ground for artificial intelligence products. Offering the ChatGPT Go free subscription for a year could help OpenAI expand its footprint further, particularly among students, professionals, and small businesses.
Competing AI offers in India
The move also comes amid growing competition among AI companies in the country. Perplexity recently began offering Indian users a year of free access to its premium plan through a partnership with mobile carrier Bharti Airtel. Google has also made its Gemini AI Pro product free for students in India for one year.
Industry analysts say the wave of free access plans, including OpenAI’s ChatGPT Go free subscription, reflects an effort to build loyalty in one of the fastest-growing AI markets. “Companies are racing to capture long-term users by lowering entry barriers,” said an analyst at a Mumbai-based technology consultancy.
Regulatory backdrop
OpenAI’s announcement comes shortly after India proposed new rules to regulate artificial intelligence. The draft regulations would require AI and social media platforms to clearly label AI-generated content to combat misinformation and deepfakes.
Experts say these measures could influence how AI companies design and deploy products in the country. “Transparency and user education are becoming central to AI governance in India,” said a policy researcher at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi.
Market outlook
OpenAI’s partnership with Microsoft continues to play a key role in expanding its global reach. The U.S.-based startup’s decision to offer ChatGPT Go free subscription in India highlights its focus on user growth over immediate revenue.
As competition intensifies, India’s AI market is expected to grow rapidly over the next few years, driven by government initiatives and increasing adoption across sectors such as education, health care, and customer service.
($1 = 87.8950 Indian rupees)
