OpenAI Launches Education Initiative in India Ahead of AI Summit 2026
OpenAI has introduced the OpenAI Learning Accelerator, an initiative focused on boosting research, access, and training in education across India. Announced at the OpenAI Education Summit in Delhi, this program sets the stage for the upcoming AI Impact Summit scheduled for February 19–20, 2026, in New Delhi.
The Learning Accelerator includes a $500,000 (₹4.25 crore) research partnership with IIT Madras, distribution of approximately 500,000 ChatGPT licenses to students and educators in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, AICTE, and industry group Arise, plus dedicated training programs for teachers.
Preparing Educators and Students for AI Integration
Leah Belsky, OpenAI’s vice-president of education, described ChatGPT as the largest learning platform worldwide and emphasized the initiative’s goal to improve learning outcomes while supporting teachers. India ranks as OpenAI’s second-largest market after the US, with student usage of ChatGPT tripling over the last year.
Raghav Gupta, former managing director of Coursera India, has been appointed as OpenAI’s head of education for India and the Asia Pacific region. Gupta highlighted the focus on expanding AI tool access and collaborating with schools, universities, and government bodies to enhance educational experiences.
Government and Educator Perspectives
Government officials attending the event expressed support for the partnership. Harikumar Janakiraman, director of digital education at the Ministry of Education, noted that the collaboration will extend AI access to teachers in government schools.
Abhishek Singh, additional secretary at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), pointed out the growing open-source ecosystem with models like Llama, Mistral, GPT open-source, and Grok 2.5. He mentioned OpenAI’s return to its original openness philosophy by launching an open-source version.
Educator Anand Kumar, founder of Super-30, stressed the importance of teachers adapting to new technologies. He urged educators to embrace new tools and training to prepare students effectively for the future.
New Features and Future Plans
OpenAI also introduced a new study mode in ChatGPT, which provides step-by-step guidance instead of quick answers—a feature gaining traction among Indian students. The company is set to open its first office in New Delhi later this year, with CEO Sam Altman expected to visit India next month to review operations and pursue further government agreements.
In addition, OpenAI launched an India-specific ChatGPT subscription plan priced at ₹399 per month, integrated with UPI payments, and is actively hiring for sales positions.
What This Means for Educators
- Access to half a million ChatGPT licenses can transform classroom learning by providing AI-powered support to both teachers and students.
- Training programs for educators aim to build confidence in using AI tools effectively.
- Research collaborations like the one with IIT Madras will help develop localized AI-driven educational solutions.
- OpenAI’s initiatives align with efforts to make AI more accessible and practical in government and private education sectors.
Educators interested in expanding their AI skills and integrating tools like ChatGPT into their teaching may find relevant courses and training resources at Complete AI Training.
This initiative signals a significant step toward integrating AI into mainstream education in India, offering practical support and tools to improve how teachers teach and students learn.
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