Perplexity’s Positive AI Revolution Hits 360 Million Airtel Users with 1-Year Free Pro Plan

In a groundbreaking development in India’s booming artificial intelligence sector, Perplexity, the emerging AI-powered search engine, has taken a bold step to challenge tech behemoths like Google by offering 360 million Airtel users a free 1-year Pro subscription. This strategic alliance is seen as a masterstroke, giving Perplexity massive reach in the Indian market and reshaping how Indians engage with AI tools.

The Perplexity Pro subscription, which typically costs ₹19,900 annually, is now available completely free for Airtel’s mobile, broadband, and DTH customers. Simultaneously, Google has countered by announcing a free AI Pro subscription—normally priced at ₹19,500—for university students in India. These nearly back-to-back announcements signal a fierce tug-of-war for the hearts and minds of Indian AI users.

The AI Battleground: India’s Exploding AI Economy

India’s AI landscape is at a pivotal point. According to a Boston Consulting Group (BCG) white paper published in June, India’s AI economy is expected to triple in value to $17 billion by 2027. As one of the fastest-growing AI markets globally, this makes India a hotbed for user acquisition and long-term growth.

Perplexity understands this potential and has partnered with Bharti Airtel, one of India’s largest telecom operators, to tap into its massive user base. The move is more than just a giveaway—it’s a calculated effort to introduce Indians to an AI assistant that stands apart from conventional chatbots like ChatGPT or Gemini.

What Makes Perplexity Different?

Unlike traditional AI chatbots, Perplexity is an AI-powered search engine. It answers user queries by sourcing real-time information from the internet and presenting it in a concise, accurate, and reliable format. With the Pro version, users get up to 300 AI-powered searches per day, the ability to upload documents for analysis and summarization, and even a text-to-image generator powered by models like DALL·E.

Perplexity also offers a Labs feature, which enables users to build spreadsheets, web apps, and dashboards using tools like deep web browsing, code execution, and visual generation—making it a game-changer for students, professionals, and data enthusiasts alike.

Additionally, users can toggle between multiple large language models (LLMs), including GPT-4.1, Claude 4.0 Sonnet, and models from Google and Anthropic, giving unparalleled flexibility in how they want their answers served.

📱 How to Claim the Free Perplexity Pro Plan

If you’re an Airtel user, here’s how to claim your free 1-year Perplexity Pro plan:

Open the Airtel Thanks App.
Navigate to the “Rewards” section.
Click on the banner: “Get 12 months of Perplexity Pro worth ₹17,000 FREE”.
Activate your subscription instantly.

It’s worth noting that this value might differ slightly, with some promotions pegging it at ₹17,000 and others listing the regular cost as ₹19,900. Either way, it’s a steal.

💡 Why Google Is Watching Closely

Google’s AI Pro plan, offered to university students, is also a smart move to build user loyalty early. But the challenge it faces is sheer scale. While the student user base is important, Perplexity’s tie-up with Airtel taps into a user base nearly 100 times larger.

This difference in volume could have a dramatic long-term impact on user behavior and AI adoption patterns in India.

📊 Strategic Gamble or Masterstroke?

Industry experts believe both Google and Perplexity are playing the long game. The goal isn’t just short-term visibility but long-term user retention. If users get hooked on a certain platform now, they’re more likely to stay, even when the free period ends and standard pricing resumes.

For Perplexity, this could mean millions of paying users in the future, especially if they deliver consistent, high-quality AI output tailored to Indian users’ needs.

🗨️ Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas Speaks

In an official statement, Perplexity co-founder and CEO Aravind Srinivas said:

“This partnership is an exciting way to make accurate, trustworthy, and professional-grade AI accessible to more people in India—whether a student, working professional, or managing a household. With Perplexity Pro, users get a smarter, easier way to find information, learn, and get more done.”

🌐 The Road Ahead

With giants like Meta, OpenAI, Anthropic, and Apple also eyeing India’s AI future, the competition is set to heat up. Perplexity’s Airtel alliance could serve as a blueprint for how AI companies can scale rapidly in emerging markets by riding on telecom infrastructure.

Whether this early momentum translates into sustained leadership remains to be seen. But for now, Perplexity has made one of the boldest plays in India’s AI race—and the ripple effect has just begun.

📌 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is Perplexity?
A: Perplexity is an AI-powered search engine that uses LLMs like GPT-4.1 and Claude 4.0 to deliver real-time, reliable answers.

Q2. How much does Perplexity Pro usually cost?
A: ₹19,900 annually.

Q3. Who is eligible for the free Perplexity Pro subscription?
A: Airtel mobile, broadband, and DTH customers in India.

Q4. What can users do with Perplexity Pro?
A: Up to 300 searches/day, document summarization, AI-powered visuals, and access to Labs for app and spreadsheet creation.

Q5. How does this compare to Google’s AI Pro plan?
A: Google offers its ₹19,500 AI Pro plan for free to Indian university students, while Perplexity targets a much broader base via Airtel.

Q6. Can I switch between different AI models in Perplexity Pro?
A: Yes, users can toggle between GPT-4.1, Claude 4.0, and more.

Q7. What is Perplexity Labs?
A: A tool that lets users build apps, dashboards, and more using self-supervised AI.

Q8. Is the Perplexity Pro offer permanent?
A: No, it’s free for one year. Standard charges apply afterward.

🔗 External Reference Links

🎙️ Breaking News

“Perplexity AI Free for Airtel Users”
“Perplexity Battles Google in India”
“India’s AI Market Set to Triple”
“360 Million Gain Free AI Access”
“Google, Perplexity AI Pro Showdown

For More News. Stay Tuned to Internet BuzzFeed

Perplexity’s Positive AI Revolution Hits 360 Million Airtel Users with 1-Year Free Pro Plan

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