India’s second-largest telecom operator, Bharti Airtel, has announced an exclusive partnership with AI-powered answer engine Perplexity, offering all its users free access to Perplexity Pro, a premium tool worth ₹17,000 annually. This initiative marks a significant step towards democratizing access to cutting-edge AI tools in India.
Let’s break down what this means for Airtel users, how you can claim it, and why this move matters in the evolving AI landscape.
What is Perplexity and Why It’s Gaining Traction?
Perplexity is an AI-powered search and answer engine, designed to deliver real-time, conversational, and deeply researched responses. It acts like a more advanced version of traditional search engines, providing users with accurate and easy-to-read answers instead of a list of web pages.
Founded in 2022, the platform has quickly risen to prominence and is often compared with OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. It supports advanced research, summarization, document analysis, and more.
Perplexity Pro vs Free Version: What’s the Difference?
| Features | Free Plan | Perplexity Pro Plan (₹17,000/year) |
|---|---|---|
| Pro Searches | 3 per day | Unlimited |
| AI Models | Basic models only | Access to advanced models (GPT-4.1, Claude) |
| File Uploads | Limited | Unlimited with analysis support |
| Image Generation | Not available | Available |
| Research Features | 3/day | Unlimited |
| Support | Basic | Priority support via Discord & Intercom |
| Developer Tools | Not available | $5 monthly API credits included |
What is Airtel Offering?
Airtel is offering 360 million+ customers (across mobile, broadband, and DTH) 12 months of Perplexity Pro for free, with no auto-renewal. This offer is valid until January 17, 2026, and will be accessible via the Airtel Thanks app.
Key Highlights:
- Free for all Airtel users — prepaid, postpaid, broadband & DTH
- Offer valid until: January 17, 2026
- Available through: Airtel Thanks App
- No auto-renewal — users must subscribe manually after 12 months
How to Claim Your Free Perplexity Pro Subscription
Airtel users can claim the offer by following these simple steps:
1. Open the Airtel Thanks app (available on Android and iOS)
2. Tap on the Perplexity Pro offer
3. Click “Claim Now” and then Proceed
4. Click on Proceed
5. Enter your email ID and verify with OTP or Use Sign in with Google
6. Done! You can now use Perplexity Pro on both app and web.
Note: Users must remain an active Airtel subscriber during the 12-month period to retain access.
Why is This Partnership a Big Deal?
This is Perplexity’s first-ever partnership with an Indian telecom operator and signals its deeper push into the Indian market. In the past, it has partnered with global giants like SoftBank and T-Mobile.
India: A Key Growth Market for Perplexity
- India is in the top 4 markets for Perplexity by daily usage
- Among top 10 countries by revenue
- The company is considering India-specific pricing in the near future
Aravind Srinivas, Co-founder & CEO of Perplexity, emphasized the importance of this partnership:
“This is an exciting way to bring trustworthy, professional-grade AI to more people — whether students, professionals, or homemakers.”
Who Can Benefit from Perplexity Pro?
Students
- Deep research assistance for projects & assignments
- Summarizes complex topics in an easy-to-understand way
- Organizes content logically
Working Professionals
- Speeds up research, presentations, planning
- Automates repetitive tasks like summarizing PDFs or emails
Homemakers
- Instant answers for recipes, budgeting, planning vacations
- Creative ideas for home organization, lifestyle tips
Perplexity’s Growing Footprint in India
Apart from this Airtel partnership, Perplexity has made notable moves in India:
- IPL Integration: Launched a dedicated IPL content hub for cricket fans
- Paytm Partnership: Integrated its AI engine into the Paytm app
- Entertainment Focus: Expanding content on TV shows, movies, and regional languages
The startup has already raised $500 million at a $9 billion valuation, with backing from major players like NVIDIA and Jeff Bezos. Reports suggest it may soon raise funds at a $14 billion valuation.
