OpenAI Brings India-First Learning Accelerator
OpenAI has introduced its Learning Accelerator program in India, making the country the first to benefit from this global initiative. The launch took place in New Delhi on August 25, 2025.
As part of the program, OpenAI has partnered with IIT Madras, announcing $500,000 in funding to support research on how artificial intelligence can:
- Improve student learning outcomes
- Support innovative teaching methods
- Align education with cognitive neuroscience insights
ChatGPT Licenses for Students and Teachers
Over the next six months, OpenAI will distribute around 500,000 ChatGPT licenses to schools, colleges, and universities across India.
This effort is supported by:
- Ministry of Education
- AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education)
- ARISE initiative
The goal is to help:
- Students – by using ChatGPT as a personal tutor, aligned with CBSE and IIT exam curricula.
- Teachers – by saving time on lesson planning, assignments, and student engagement.
- Institutions – by integrating AI as a critical infrastructure for teaching and research.
Why India Matters for OpenAI
India has more than 300 million students, making it one of the largest and most diverse educational ecosystems in the world.
- Over 50% of Indian ChatGPT users are under 24.
- Parents want AI to act like a tutor, not just an answer machine.
- Local language and curriculum alignment are being prioritized.
Leadership and Future Plans
To lead this initiative, Raghav Gupta has been appointed as Head of Education for India and Asia Pacific. He confirmed that OpenAI will engage with both central and state governments to expand AI’s role in classrooms.
Leah Belsky, OpenAI’s VP of Education, said:
“AI has the potential to be a lifelong tutor for students and a strong support for educators.”
Key Takeaways
- Launch Date: August 25, 2025
- Main Partner: IIT Madras
- Funding: $500,000 for AI research
- Licenses: 500,000 ChatGPT licenses for students & teachers
- Goal: AI as a tutor, teacher’s assistant, and education infrastructure
Leslie Rajan