Surge in India’s AI adoption powered by free use of ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity

Essential brief

Key facts

Active ChatGPT users in India increased by 607% year-on-year between 2024 and 2025.

India had over 65 million daily ChatGPT users as of December 2025, more than double the US user base.

Free access to AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity has driven widespread adoption in India.

The surge in AI usage is transforming multiple sectors including education, business, and technology.

Rapid AI growth in India highlights the need for data privacy and regulatory measures.

Highlights

Active ChatGPT users in India increased by 607% year-on-year between 2024 and 2025.

India had over 65 million daily ChatGPT users as of December 2025, more than double the US user base.

Free access to AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity has driven widespread adoption in India.

The surge in AI usage is transforming multiple sectors including education, business, and technology.

India is experiencing a remarkable surge in artificial intelligence adoption, primarily driven by the widespread free access to AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity.

According to a recent Sensor Tower report, active ChatGPT users in India soared by an extraordinary 607% year-on-year between 2024 and 2025.

This growth underscores the rapid integration of AI technologies into the daily lives of millions across the country.

Complementing this data, a Bank of America Securities (BofA) report highlighted that as of December 17, 2025, ChatGPT boasted over 65 million daily users in India alone, surpassing the United States by more than double.

This milestone reflects not only the scale of AI adoption but also the increasing digital literacy and internet penetration in India.

The availability of free AI tools has been a significant catalyst, making advanced AI accessible to a broad demographic, including students, professionals, and businesses seeking to enhance productivity and innovation.

Moreover, the competition among AI providers like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, and Perplexity has spurred improvements in functionality and user experience, further attracting users.

This rapid adoption has implications for the Indian economy, potentially boosting sectors such as education, customer service, and software development.

However, it also raises questions about data privacy, digital equity, and the need for regulatory frameworks to manage AI’s societal impact responsibly.

Overall, India’s AI user base growth exemplifies a global trend towards embracing AI technologies, positioning the country as a significant player in the future AI landscape.