OpenAI has announced that users in India can now enjoy one year of free access to ChatGPT Go, the company’s most affordable paid plan. The limited-time offer starts on November 4, and both new and existing ChatGPT Go users in India can claim the free 12-month plan.
ChatGPT Go, which usually costs just Rs. 399 a month, was launched in India in August. The plan offers users 10 times more usage than the free version. It allows users to generate longer responses, create images, and upload files. It also features improved memory, enabling more personalized conversations.
India has quickly become one of OpenAI’s most important markets. With over 700 million smartphone users and more than a billion internet subscribers, the country offers massive potential for AI adoption. OpenAI opened its New Delhi office in August and is now building a local team to strengthen its presence.
OpenAI’s Vice President and Head of ChatGPT, Nick Turley, said the response from Indian users has been “inspiring.” He added that the company is excited to see “the amazing things users will build, learn, and achieve with these tools.”
However, the move also shows OpenAI’s push to expand its user base and improve monetization in India. Despite being the company’s second-largest market after the U.S., India has not yet turned into a major source of paid subscribers. According to Appfigures data, ChatGPT saw over 29 million downloads in the 90 days before August but generated just $3.6 million in in-app purchases during that period. Offering the Go plan for free could help OpenAI attract long-term users and build loyalty before reintroducing paid tiers.
Competition in India’s AI space is also heating up. Perplexity recently partnered with Airtel to offer free Pro subscriptions to over 360 million users, while Google introduced a free AI Pro plan for Indian students. By offering a free plan, OpenAI is clearly trying to stay ahead in one of the fastest-growing AI markets in the world.
The timing is also interesting. OpenAI is hosting its DevDay Exchange event in Bengaluru on November 4, where it is expected to make announcements tailored to India’s developers and enterprises.
