Ahead of the India AI Impact Summit 2026, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman revealed that ChatGPT now has 100 million (10 crore) weekly active users in India, making the country the second-largest market globally after the United States. Indian students, in particular, form the platform’s largest user base worldwide.
India: A Key Market for OpenAI
OpenAI has focused on India’s young population and over a billion internet users as part of its global expansion strategy. Following months of groundwork, the company opened its New Delhi office in August 2025. To cater to India’s price-sensitive market, OpenAI introduced a special plan for Indian users. Initially priced at $5 (approximately ₹450), the ChatGPT Go tier was later made free for a year, boosting adoption significantly.
This strategy has proven successful, leading to 10 crore weekly active ChatGPT users in India. Altman emphasized that India now represents a major growth segment for OpenAI and other AI companies looking to expand their footprint in education and student-focused AI applications.
Global Context
According to reports, ChatGPT’s global weekly active users reached 800 million by October 2025 and are now approaching 900 million. The surge in India has been a major contributor to this growth, placing the country just behind the United States in overall usage.
Students Drive Adoption
Altman highlighted that Indian students are the most active users of ChatGPT globally. With AI increasingly integrated into classroom learning and study workflows, students are leveraging ChatGPT for a range of tasks—from exam preparation to interview readiness.
Other tech giants are also targeting Indian students. Google, for example, offered a free one-year subscription to its AI Pro plan in September 2025, while its VP and General Manager for Education, Chris Phillips, noted that India accounts for the highest global usage of Google’s AI-powered Gemini platform. AI chatbots are becoming essential tools for learning and productivity among students.
Summit Participation
OpenAI will participate in the five-day India AI Impact Summit 2026, starting February 16 in New Delhi, alongside senior executives from leading global AI companies. The summit is expected to further highlight India’s growing influence in the AI sector and the widespread adoption of AI technologies among students and professionals alike.
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