Table of Contents
In a revolutionary move, Bharti Airtel has announced that all its 360 million customers will now get a 12-month free subscription to Perplexity Pro, an AI-powered answer engine that typically costs ₹17,000 a year. Yes, you read that right—completely free, and no credit card needed.
This offer extends across all of Airtel’s services—mobile (prepaid and postpaid), broadband, and DTH users—making it the most widespread Gen-AI adoption ever by a telecom company in India.
What Is Perplexity Pro?
Think of Perplexity as Google Search reimagined with AI. Instead of showing links, it gives you instant, well-cited, conversational answers powered by leading AI models like GPT-4.1, Claude 4, Grok, Gemini, and others.
The free version is great, but Perplexity Pro unlocks advanced features, including:
- Up to 300 AI searches per day
- Access to GPT‑4.1, Claude 4, Grok 4, Sonar, R1
- Model selector for customized responses
- File uploads with summaries and answers
- Image generation via DALL·E
- Access to Perplexity Labs to create dashboards, reports, or even full apps
Basically, it’s your AI assistant for life, learning, and work.
Why Airtel Is Doing This
With AI going mainstream, Airtel is looking to empower its users with productivity, creativity, and learning tools—for free. Whether you’re a student preparing for exams, a professional working on reports, or even a parent trying to plan meals or budgets, Perplexity Pro can be your smart companion.
“This is a game-changer,” said Gopal Vittal, CEO of Airtel. “We’re putting powerful AI into the hands of millions to help them stay ahead in the digital world.”
Aravind Srinivas, CEO of Perplexity AI, added:
“We’re thrilled to partner with Airtel to bring our AI-powered search and research tools to a wider Indian audience.”
The move comes just weeks after Google made its Gemini Pro free for college students in India—suggesting AI is no longer a luxury, but a utility.
How to Claim the Free Perplexity Pro Subscription
Claiming the offer is incredibly easy and takes under 3 minutes:
- Open the Airtel Thanks app (available on iOS and Android).
- Go to “Rewards & OTT” or “Subscriptions” section.
- Tap on the Perplexity Pro banner.
- Tap “Claim Now” → then “Proceed”.
- Enter your email ID, verify OTP, and get the code.
- Visit perplexity.ai, sign up or log in using the same email.
- Done! You’re now a Perplexity Pro user for the next 12 months.
No payment details or Airtel-only internet required. Once activated, you can use it on any device or network.
Who Can Use This?
- All Airtel mobile users – both prepaid and postpaid
- All Airtel Xstream Fiber users
- All DTH subscribers
- Airtel Black users get it too
Whether you’re on a ₹149 plan or ₹999, this ₹17,000-value subscription is free. And the best part? You have until January 17, 2026 to claim it!
Also Read: Beyond ChatGPT: Exploring the Next Wave of AI Language Models in 2025
How This Benefits Everyday Indians
- Students: Research papers, exam prep, summarizing notes
- Working professionals: Market analysis, presentations, email drafting
- Homemakers: Recipe planning, budgeting, kid’s school projects
- Lifelong learners: Learn new skills, discover facts, ask follow-up questions with context
- Retirees & curious minds: Travel ideas, health advice, news digests, and more
This isn’t just AI hype—it’s a tool you’ll actually want to use daily.
The Bigger Picture: India’s AI Moment
From Netflix to Spotify, Airtel has partnered with content platforms before—but this is India’s first full-scale telecom partnership with a Gen-AI company.
This may trigger similar offers from Jio, Vi, and BSNL, setting the stage for an AI-accelerated future.
Is this free trial really ₹17,000 worth?
Yes. Perplexity Pro normally charges $20/month (~₹1,400), and this is a full 12-month subscription.
Do I need to be an Airtel broadband user?
No, any Airtel customer—mobile, broadband, or DTH—is eligible.
Can I use Perplexity Pro without Airtel data?
Yes. Once you activate it using your Airtel account, you can use it on any Wi-Fi or mobile network.
Will I be charged after 12 months?
No automatic charges apply. After the free year, you’ll have the choice to upgrade or downgrade.
I can’t see the offer in my Airtel Thanks app. Why?
It may be rolling out gradually. Make sure your app is updated and check again in a day or two.
Final Takeaway
Airtel has just given every customer a chance to explore the world of advanced AI for free—something that would typically cost thousands. Whether you’re a student, parent, teacher, coder, or creator—you now have one of the world’s best AI tools at your fingertips.
In a world rapidly reshaped by technology, Airtel’s offer isn’t just generous—it’s transformative. If you’re an Airtel user, don’t miss this. Claim it, explore it, and use it to get more done—smarter, faster, and better.
