OpenAI takes AI to Indian campuses with IIM-A, IIT Delhi, AIIMS tie-ups
On February 25, 2026, during the India AI Impact Summit, OpenAI announced significant partnerships with six Indian universities and three edtech firms. This initiative marks a pivotal shift from individual AI usage to institution-led adoption, aiming to enhance the educational landscape in India.
Partnerships and Collaborations
The collaborations include prestigious institutions such as:
- IIM Ahmedabad
- AIIMS Delhi
- IIT Delhi
- Manipal University
- UPES
- Pearl Academy
In addition to universities, OpenAI has partnered with notable edtech firms:
- PhysicsWallah
- UpGrad
- GUVI
OpenAI plans to deploy nearly 100,000 seats of ChatGPT Edu across these campuses, significantly expanding access to AI tools for students, faculty, and staff.
Shifting Focus from Individual to Institutional Use
Raghav Gupta, Head of Education at OpenAI (India & Asia-Pacific), explained the rationale behind focusing on campuses rather than individual users. He stated, “Until now, many people used ChatGPT on their own. That creates awareness, but the impact is limited. Institutions help scale impact.” By integrating ChatGPT Edu into universities, OpenAI aims to transform how these institutions teach, research, and operate.
Benefits of ChatGPT Edu
ChatGPT Edu is designed to provide advanced AI models with enhanced safety and privacy features. However, Gupta emphasized that access alone is not sufficient. He noted the importance of training and enablement, stating, “Many people don’t get full value from AI.” The benefits of ChatGPT Edu include:
- Time-saving for faculty on administrative tasks
- Improved research workflows
- Better preparation for students entering the workforce
Inclusion of Diverse Institutions
Some major public universities were not included in the initial list of partners. Gupta clarified that readiness and willingness were more critical than reputation in selecting institutions for this first cohort. He expressed hope that OpenAI would collaborate with hundreds of universities across India in the future, as there are over 1,200 universities in the country.
Edtech Partnerships for Wider Reach
OpenAI’s collaboration with edtech firms aims to extend the reach of AI literacy beyond elite campuses and English-speaking environments. Gupta explained the strategic choice of partners:
- PhysicsWallah: Targeting JEE and entrance exam aspirants in Hindi and English.
- UpGrad: Focusing on early-career professionals and AI coding skills, including Codex.
- GUVI: Aiding learners in regional languages like Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Marathi.
Gupta emphasized that for AI literacy to scale in India, it must cater to a diverse audience.
OpenAI’s Educational Priorities in India
Education is a top priority for OpenAI in India, as learning is the most significant global use case for ChatGPT. Gupta noted that India has the largest student base on the platform. However, he cautioned against using AI as a shortcut, comparing it to providing a calculator before teaching multiplication. Institutions play a crucial role in guiding students on how to effectively utilize AI tools.
Insights from Student Engagement
Gupta recently participated in a hackathon that involved students from tier-2 and tier-3 cities. The event saw participation from 70,000 students, many of whom did not have backgrounds in computer science. They developed AI solutions addressing real-world issues such as veterinary services, water management, and road safety. Gupta remarked, “It shows India is not just consuming AI, but creating real-world applications.”
India’s Role in the Global AI Landscape
Gupta highlighted India’s unique position in the global AI race, stating that the country’s strength lies in applying technology at scale. He drew parallels to India’s successful implementation of population-scale systems like UPI and DigiLocker, suggesting that India will significantly influence AI at the application layer, solving pressing societal problems.
Conclusion
OpenAI’s strategic partnerships with Indian universities and edtech firms mark a significant step towards integrating AI into the educational framework of the country. By focusing on institutional adoption, OpenAI aims to enhance the learning experience for millions of students, preparing them for a future where AI plays a pivotal role in various sectors.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on the latest developments as of February 2026 and reflects the ongoing efforts to integrate AI into educational institutions in India.
