OpenAI today unveiled its India-first Learning Accelerator, a landmark initiative aimed at empowering the nation’s educators and students with AI-enabled tools, training, and research funding—marking one of its most significant investments in India’s education ecosystem to date.
As part of the Learning Accelerator, OpenAI has pledged a $500,000 (approximately ₹4.5 crore) research grant to IIT-Madras. The collaboration will support long-term studies delving into how AI—guided by cognitive neuroscience insights—can enhance teaching methods and learning outcomes. Findings will be made publicly available to facilitate future AI education development .
Over the next six months, OpenAI will distribute 500,000 free ChatGPT licenses to teachers and students in government schools, AICTE-affiliated institutions, and ARISE member schools. These partnerships aim to support lesson planning, boost engagement, and improve employability by integrating AI tools into learning environments .
OpenAI’s initiative includes deployment of ‘Study Mode’, a tailored tutoring feature for ChatGPT that delivers structured, step-by-step guidance to students, reflecting feedback from Indian learners. Developed to align with Indian curricula, it aims to help students gain deeper understanding and retention.
OpenAI has named Raghav Gupta—former Managing Director for Asia Pacific at Coursera and an INSEAD alumnus—as Head of Education for India and Asia Pacific. Gupta will oversee OpenAI’s educational strategy and partnerships with institutions, government bodies, and researchers to drive AI adoption in classrooms across the region.
These announcements coincide with OpenAI’s broader India expansion:
Opening its first office in New Delhi later this year, with CEO Sam Altman expected to visit soon .
Launching ChatGPT Go, a value-tier subscription priced at ₹399/month with UPI integration, image generation, and higher message limits.
Scaling up OpenAI Academy, nationwide AI literacy campaigns, and enhanced Indic language support in the latest GPT-5 model .
| Focus Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Learning Accelerator | India-first initiative across research, access, training |
| IIT-Madras Grant | $500k funding for AI-based pedagogy research |
| License Distribution | 500,000 free ChatGPT licenses via MoE, AICTE, ARISE partnerships |
| Study Mode | Personalized tutoring feature for Indian students |
| Leadership | Raghav Gupta appointed Head of Education for India & APAC |
| Strategic Expansion | New Delhi office, ChatGPT Go subscription, AI literacy program |
OpenAI’s India-first Learning Accelerator marks a decisive step in transforming the nation’s education landscape through artificial intelligence. With a $500,000 research collaboration with IIT Madras and the distribution of 500,000 ChatGPT licenses, the initiative reflects both scale and intent—bridging technology with accessibility for students and educators alike.
The appointment of Raghav Gupta as Head of Education for India and Asia Pacific further underscores OpenAI’s commitment to building strong partnerships with universities, government bodies, and schools. As India is already OpenAI’s second-largest market globally, this program comes at a pivotal moment, reinforcing the country’s position as a hub for AI adoption and innovation.
By integrating tools like Study Mode and enabling personalized learning outcomes, OpenAI aims to empower millions of learners, improve employability, and shape the future workforce. With Sam Altman’s upcoming visit and the launch of its New Delhi office, OpenAI is clearly investing in India for the long term.