The move comes just weeks after the ChatGPT-maker confirmed plans to open its first office in New Delhi later this year.
The initiative will provide educators and students across the country with AI tools, training, and research opportunities. As part of this, OpenAI said it will distribute nearly 500,000 ChatGPT licenses over the next six months in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MoE), All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and ARISE member schools.
The company said these partnerships will support lesson planning, digital skills development, employability, and personalised learning outcomes.
“AI has incredible potential to empower educators and learners. To realise that potential, we must work side by side with educators and institutions,” Leah Belsky, VP of Education at OpenAI, said. “The launch of OpenAI Learning Accelerator alongside our partners represents one of OpenAI’s most significant investments in India’s education ecosystem to date.”
The company also announced the appointment of Raghav Gupta as Head of Education for India and Asia Pacific. Gupta, who previously served as Managing Director for Coursera in the region, will lead OpenAI’s work to expand AI access to educators, students, and researchers.
In an interaction with CNBC-TV18, Gupta said OpenAI’s strategy involves close collaboration with Indian universities and government bodies to strengthen research and ensure students benefit from AI tools. He highlighted that India is already the company’s second-largest market globally, with the largest student population using ChatGPT worldwide.
The partnership with IIT Madras will focus on long-term studies exploring how AI can improve teaching methods and learning outcomes, drawing insights from cognitive neuroscience. The findings will be shared openly to inform product development.
The announcement follows a string of India-focused launches from OpenAI in recent weeks, including ChatGPT Go — a subscription plan priced at ₹399 a month with UPI payment support — as well as the rollout of OpenAI Academy and enhanced Indic language features.
OpenAI founder Sam Altman is expected to visit India next month as the company accelerates its expansion in one of its fastest-growing markets.
Also Read: Exclusive | OpenAI product chief says India its fastest-growing market, ChatGPT users triple in a year
