Imagine snagging premium AI tools from Google and Perplexity without paying a dime in India—but only if you fit the right profile. Google's AI Pro unlocks advanced features like smart research aids and massive storage for select users, while Perplexity Pro teams up with Airtel to deliver flexible model choices and unlimited uploads to millions more.
This limited-time giveaway shakes up AI access, yet the real twist lies in eligibility rules that could leave many out. Discover who qualifies and why it matters for everyday tech users.
Key Takeaways
Google's Bet on India's Student Population
Google is offering a free one-year subscription to its AI Pro plan for college and university students in India who are 18 or older. This promotion, which must be claimed by September 15, 2025, gives students access to a suite of powerful tools designed to assist with their academic work.
The Google AI Pro plan includes:
To avail the offer, students need to verify their status through SheerID using a valid university email or ID card.
Read More About 👉 Google AI Plans & Pricing
Perplexity's Strategy with Airtel
Perplexity has partnered with Bharti Airtel to offer a free 12-month subscription to Perplexity Pro to all of the telecom company's 360 million customers. This includes mobile, Wi-Fi, and DTH users. The offer can be claimed through the Airtel Thanks app.
Key features of Perplexity Pro include:
This partnership marks Perplexity's first collaboration with an Indian telecom company and has already led to a surge in its app downloads in India, at times surpassing competitors like ChatGPT.
Feature Face-Off: Google AI Pro vs Perplexity Pro
While both platforms offer access to premium AI, their features cater to slightly different needs. Google's offering is deeply integrated into its existing ecosystem of apps, making it suitable for students and professionals already using Google Workspace. Perplexity, on the other hand, positions itself as a powerful, research-focused answer engine with model flexibility.
| Feature | Google AI Pro (Free Student Offer) | Perplexity Pro (Free Airtel Offer) |
|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | Indian college students (18+) | All Airtel customers (Mobile, Broadband, DTH) |
| Annual Price | ₹19,500 | ₹17,000 |
| Core AI Model | Gemini 2.5 Pro | Choice of models (GPT-4.1, Claude, Gemini, etc.) |
| Daily Queries | Unlimited access to Gemini 2.5 Pro | 300+ Pro Searches |
| Cloud Storage | 2TB across Google services | Not included |
| File Uploads | Yes, within tools like NotebookLM and Gemini app | Unlimited file uploads for analysis |
| Unique Tools | Veo 3 (video generation), Deep Research, integration with Google Workspace | Perplexity Labs, model switching, image generation |
The Strategic Importance of the Indian Market
These free offerings highlight the strategic battle for India's large and growing base of internet users. By offering their premium services for free, both Google and Perplexity aim to attract a large user base and encourage adoption of their respective AI ecosystems.
For Google, this move helps to solidify its presence among the next generation of professionals and creators, integrating them early into its suite of AI-powered productivity tools. A Google-Kantar study found that 95% of Indian students using Gemini feel more confident.
For Perplexity, a relatively new player, the partnership with Airtel provides immediate access to a massive and diverse user base, significantly boosting its visibility and adoption in a key international market. The company, founded in 2022, has seen its valuation grow rapidly, reaching over $3 billion by June 2024.
This move directly challenges established players by offering a powerful research and answer engine to millions of Indians at no cost.
