OpenAI announced free one-year access to ChatGPT Go for Indian users starting November 4, marking its most aggressive market push as competition for India’s AI users intensifies among tech giants.
The promotion coincides with OpenAI’s first DevDay Exchange developer conference in Bengaluru on the same date, highlighting India’s strategic importance as the company’s second-largest and fastest-growing market globally.ChatGPT Go, normally priced at ₹399 per month, offers higher message limits, expanded image generation, file upload capabilities, and access to OpenAI’s latest GPT-5 model.
Strategic Move Amid Fierce Competition
The timing reflects mounting competitive pressure in India’s booming AI sector. Perplexity, led by Indian-origin CEO Aravind Srinivas, partnered with Bharti Airtel in July to offer free Pro subscriptions worth ₹17,000 annually to 360 million subscribers. Google separately launched free AI Pro memberships for Indian college students through September 2025, normally valued at ₹19,500 per year.
“Since initially launching ChatGPT Go in India a few months ago, the adoption and creativity we’ve seen from our users has been inspiring,” said Nick Turley, Vice President and Head of ChatGPT at OpenAI. Within the first month of ChatGPT Go’s August launch, paid subscribers in India more than doubled, prompting OpenAI to expand the plan to approximately 90 markets worldwide.
How Indian Users Can Claim Free Access
All users in India who register during the promotional period starting November 4 will automatically receive ChatGPT Go at no cost for one full year. Existing ChatGPT Go subscribers will receive an additional 12 months of free access, with redemption details to be announced separately.
The promotion remains available for a limited time, though OpenAI has not specified an end date. Users will gain access to 10 times the usage limits of the free ChatGPT version, including enhanced response generation, greater file processing capacity, and improved memory for personalized interactions.
India-First Strategy and Infrastructure Plans
The initiative aligns with OpenAI’s “India-first” approach and supports the government’s IndiaAI Mission to democratize AI access nationwide. Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw welcomed the partnership, noting it would help ensure AI benefits reach every citizen across the country.
OpenAI is simultaneously planning major infrastructure investments in India as part of its $500 billion Stargate project. The company is in early discussions with Indian officials and private partners to establish a data center with at least 1-gigawatt capacity. OpenAI has already registered as a legal entity in India and plans to open its first office in New Delhi later this year.
India’s rapid AI adoption has made it indispensable for global tech companies, with ChatGPT users in the country growing four-fold over the past year. The nation’s 1.4 billion population, growing internet penetration, and strong developer community make it a critical battleground as OpenAI and rivals compete for long-term market dominance in the world’s most populous democracy.
