ChatGPT Go is now free in India! But will those who paid get a refund? Learn what OpenAI said

OpenAI has surprised Indian users by making its ChatGPT Go plan completely free. This means that both new and existing subscribers can now access premium AI tools without any extra cost. Earlier, this plan cost ₹399 per year and offered faster access to the GPT-5 model. OpenAI said the move aims to expand AI accessibility in India, where millions of users actively use ChatGPT every month. The announcement has created huge buzz across the tech community.

What Happens To Existing Subscribers?

The company clarified that users who already paid for the ChatGPT Go plan don’t need to cancel it. For those who purchased via the web or Google Play Store, the next billing date will automatically move forward by 12 months. This means you can continue enjoying the benefits for free until November 2026. However, your account must be active and have no pending payments. Apple users, meanwhile, will get a separate redemption link to activate their free extension.

What Is ChatGPT Go All About?

ChatGPT Go was launched earlier this year as an affordable entry-level plan for users who wanted faster responses and enhanced features. It gives users 10 times quicker access to the GPT-5 model compared to the free version. It also offers ten times more image generations, smoother browsing, and better multitasking support. With the new update, users will now enjoy all these features without paying a single rupee, making it one of the biggest offers in the AI market.

Why Is This Offer Big For India?

India is among the world’s largest AI user bases, and OpenAI’s move clearly shows how important the Indian market has become. By making ChatGPT Go free, OpenAI hopes to attract millions of new users, especially students, creators, and small businesses. Experts say this could also increase the use of AI tools in local languages like Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil, and Bengali. The offer might even boost AI-driven education and content creation across rural and semi-urban areas.

What About Apple App Store Users?

For users who subscribed to ChatGPT Go through the Apple App Store, the process will be slightly different. OpenAI said Apple users will receive a redemption link soon. Once they verify their account, their billing date will also move ahead by one year. However, users whose previous payments were declined or failed will not be able to claim this benefit immediately. They must clear pending issues before the offer activates.

How Are Other Companies Responding?

After OpenAI’s announcement, competition in India’s AI market has intensified. Reliance Jio has offered a free Google AI Pro subscription for 18 months, while Bharti Airtel is providing a free Perplexity Pro plan for one year. These offers clearly show that Indian telecom and tech firms are racing to capture AI users by providing premium tools at no cost. For consumers, this means better options and more innovation at affordable prices.

What Does This Mean For The Future?

This move could redefine how Indians interact with artificial intelligence. With ChatGPT Go becoming free, more people will now experience advanced AI models without worrying about cost. It could also help OpenAI gather valuable user feedback to improve future products. Analysts predict that if the response remains strong, other countries may also see similar offers soon. For now, India has become the testing ground for OpenAI’s biggest AI accessibility push ever.