Recently, several AI companies have started offering their paid plans for free to Indian users. Perplexity Pro is free for one year for Airtel customers. ChatGPT Go is free for everyone in India for one year. Google’s Gemini Pro is free for 18 months for select Jio users.
At first, this may look like a simple marketing move. But there are bigger reasons behind it. India has more than 800 million internet users in 2025. That is more than half of the country’s population. This makes India one of the largest markets in the world for online services. AI companies see a big opportunity here to reach millions of users quickly.
India’s AI market is growing very fast. Estimates show it could reach $17 billion by 2027. A report also says more than 80% of Indian companies are exploring advanced AI tools and agents. This shows strong interest in AI from both consumers and businesses.
By offering paid plans for free, companies let users experience premium features without paying. Once users start using a product regularly, they develop a habit. After the free period ends, many may continue using the service and pay for it. This approach is cheaper than acquiring paying users directly.
AI services improve with more usage. The more people use the AI, the better the model becomes. India is a diverse country with many languages and use cases. Free access allows companies to collect more data, test new features, and improve their AI.
Many global AI companies are competing for users. India is a key market. Free access helps companies attract users early, before competitors do. Partnerships with telecom companies like Airtel and Jio also help. They make it easier to reach more users and reduce marketing costs.
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Even though the plans are free now, companies aim to earn revenue later. Users may subscribe to paid plans or buy other products in the same ecosystem. Early free access also helps companies build brand loyalty and expand their services in the future.
These free offers may have limits. Some may only be available to certain age groups, telecom plans, or regions. For example, Gemini Pro is only available to Jio users of a certain age group. Users should also know that after the free period, prices may change. Companies may introduce limits or premium features later.
Giving paid plans for free in India is a smart strategy. It helps AI companies grow their user base, collect data, and secure early market share. At the same time, users get access to premium services without paying. India benefits now, and companies benefit in the long run. It is a win-win, but users should stay aware of what happens when the free period ends.
