Bharti Airtel, one of India’s leading telecommunications providers, has partnered with Perplexity AI to offer its 360 million customers a free one-year subscription to Perplexity Pro, a premium AI-powered search and answer engine valued at ₹17,000 annually. This groundbreaking collaboration, announced on July 17, 2025, marks Perplexity’s first partnership with an Indian telecom operator, aiming to make advanced generative AI tools accessible to a diverse audience, including students, professionals, and homemakers. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to claim your free Perplexity Pro subscription, explore its powerful features, and highlight why this offer is a game-changer for Airtel users across mobile, broadband, and DTH services.
What is Perplexity Pro?
Perplexity is an innovative AI-powered search and answer engine that delivers real-time, accurate, and deeply researched responses in conversational language. Unlike traditional search engines that provide a list of web links, Perplexity offers clear, concise, and verified answers, making it easier for users to find the information they need without sifting through countless pages. Its Pro version takes this experience to the next level, catering to professionals and heavy users with enhanced capabilities.
With Perplexity Pro, users gain access to advanced AI models such as GPT-4.1, Claude 4.0 Sonnet, and Gemini 2.5 Pro, allowing them to choose the model that best suits their query. The subscription includes up to 300 AI-powered searches per day, deep research tools, file upload and analysis, image generation, and access to Perplexity Labs—a unique feature that helps users bring creative ideas to life through prototyping and data visualization. This powerful suite of tools is designed to boost productivity, streamline research, and support smarter decision-making for a wide range of users.
Why Airtel’s Partnership with Perplexity is a Big Deal
Airtel’s collaboration with Perplexity is a significant milestone in India’s telecom and technology landscape. As the first Indian telecom operator to offer a premium AI subscription as part of its rewards program, Airtel is setting a new benchmark for innovation and accessibility. With 360 million customers across mobile, Wi-Fi, and DTH services, this partnership ensures that advanced AI tools are available to a massive audience at no additional cost. This move not only enhances the value of Airtel’s services but also positions the company as a leader in embracing generative AI to empower its users.
The offer comes at a time when competition in India’s telecom market is fierce, particularly between Airtel and Reliance Jio. By providing a ₹17,000 Perplexity Pro subscription for free, Airtel is likely aiming to attract new subscribers and retain existing ones. As of May 31, 2025, Airtel had approximately 390 million wireless users compared to Jio’s 472 million, making strategic partnerships like this one crucial for maintaining a competitive edge. This initiative reflects Airtel’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology to its customers, enabling them to navigate the digital world with confidence and ease.
How to Claim Your Free Perplexity Pro Subscription
Claiming your free one-year Perplexity Pro subscription is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few minutes through the Airtel Thanks app. This offer is available to all Airtel customers, including those on prepaid, postpaid, broadband, and DTH plans, and is valid until January 17, 2026. Follow these simple steps to activate your subscription:
- Download and Log in to the Airtel Thanks App: If you haven’t already, download the Airtel Thanks app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Log in using your Airtel mobile number, broadband, or DTH account credentials.
- Navigate to the Rewards Section: Once logged in, locate the “Rewards” or “Rewards & OTTs” section in the app. This can typically be found in the app’s main menu or by tapping the hamburger menu (three lines) in the top-right corner.
- Find the Perplexity Pro Offer: Scroll through the rewards section to locate the “Get 12 months of Perplexity Pro worth ₹17,000 FREE” banner or listing. This may also appear under “Collect Rewards” or “Claim OTTs and Benefits.”
- Click ‘Claim Now’: Tap the “Claim Now” button next to the Perplexity Pro offer. This will initiate the activation process.
- Proceed and Enter Your Email: Click the “Proceed” option on the next screen. You’ll be prompted to enter your registered email address, which will be used to create or link your Perplexity account.
- Verify with OTP: After entering your email, you’ll receive a one-time password (OTP) via email. Enter the OTP in the app to verify your identity and receive a unique code for Perplexity Pro access.
- Activate on the Perplexity Platform: Open the Perplexity app (available on Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, or via a web browser) and log in using the same email address you provided. Enter the code you received to activate your free Perplexity Pro subscription.
- Enjoy Perplexity Pro for 12 Months: Once activated, you can start using Perplexity Pro’s advanced features immediately. The subscription is valid for one year and will not auto-renew, so no payment details are required.
This seamless process ensures that Airtel users can quickly access Perplexity Pro’s premium features without any hassle. If the offer doesn’t appear immediately in the app, it may be due to a staggered rollout, so check back periodically or ensure your app is updated to the latest version.
Key Benefits of Perplexity Pro for Airtel Users
The Perplexity Pro subscription offers a wealth of features that make it an invaluable tool for students, professionals, homemakers, and anyone seeking accurate and efficient answers to their questions. Here’s a closer look at the benefits you’ll enjoy with your free one-year subscription:
- Up to 300 AI-Powered Searches Per Day: Unlike the free version of Perplexity, which limits daily searches, the Pro version allows up to 300 advanced searches per day. This is ideal for users who rely on Perplexity for extensive research or frequent queries.
- Access to Advanced AI Models: Perplexity Pro lets you choose from a range of cutting-edge AI models, including Sonar (Perplexity’s in-house model), GPT-4.1, Claude 4.0 Sonnet, and Gemini 2.5 Pro. You can select the model that best suits your needs, whether you’re seeking detailed research or quick answers.
- Deep Research and Reasoning Features: For complex analytical questions, Perplexity Pro offers specialized modes like R1 (Perplexity’s fine-tuned, uncensored model) and Claude 4.0 Sonnet Thinking. These tools provide in-depth, well-sourced answers, making them perfect for academic research, professional reports, or policy analysis.
- File Upload and Analysis: Users can upload documents and files for summarization and analysis, a feature that’s particularly useful for professionals in fields like consulting, law, or media who need to extract key insights quickly.
- Image Generation: Perplexity Pro includes a text-to-image generator powered by advanced models like DALL-E, allowing users to create visuals for presentations, creative projects, or social media.
- Perplexity Labs: This unique feature enables users to prototype content ideas, visualize data, and build dashboards or basic web apps. It’s a powerful tool for creative professionals, researchers, and anyone looking to bring ideas to life.
- Best Mode for Quick Searches: For users who need fast answers, Perplexity Pro’s Best Mode intelligently selects the most appropriate AI model based on the query type, ensuring optimal results every time.
These features make Perplexity Pro a versatile tool that caters to a wide range of use cases, from planning a family vacation to conducting market research or prototyping a new project idea.
Real-World Applications of Perplexity Pro
Perplexity Pro’s advanced capabilities make it a valuable tool for various audiences. Here are some practical examples of how Airtel users can leverage this free subscription:
- For Students: Perplexity Pro simplifies academic research by providing well-sourced, conversational answers to complex questions. Whether you’re studying for exams or working on a thesis, the ability to upload documents for analysis and access up to 300 searches per day ensures you have the resources you need to excel.
- For Professionals: Professionals in fields like consulting, media, or design can use Perplexity Pro to streamline tasks such as writing briefs, conducting market analysis, or generating visual content. The deep research tools and model-switching capabilities allow for precise and efficient workflows.
- For Homemakers: Perplexity Pro can assist with everyday decision-making, such as planning budgets, creating meal plans, or researching travel itineraries. Its conversational interface makes it easy to use, even for those who aren’t tech-savvy.
- For Creatives: With Perplexity Labs, users in creative fields can prototype ideas, visualize data, and generate images for projects. This feature is particularly useful for designers, content creators, and entrepreneurs looking to innovate.
By offering these tools at no cost, Airtel is empowering its customers to harness the power of AI in their daily lives, whether for work, study, or personal projects.
Why This Offer Stands Out
Airtel’s decision to bundle a ₹17,000 Perplexity Pro subscription with its services is a bold move that sets it apart from other telecom operators in India. While most providers focus on bundling entertainment services like Netflix or Amazon Prime, Airtel is taking a different approach by prioritizing productivity and research tools. This aligns with the growing demand for AI-driven solutions in India, one of the world’s largest internet markets.
The partnership also highlights Perplexity’s growing presence in India. Founded in 2022 by Aravind Srinivas, Denis Yarats, Johnny Ho, and Andy Konwinski, Perplexity has quickly gained traction as a competitor to traditional AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. With backing from industry giants like Nvidia and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Perplexity is valued at $9 billion and is reportedly in talks for a new funding round at a $14 billion valuation. Its focus on delivering accurate, citation-backed answers in real time makes it a trusted tool for users worldwide.
For Airtel, this partnership is a strategic move to enhance its digital offerings and stay ahead in a competitive market. As Gopal Vittal, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Bharti Airtel, stated, “This collaboration will bring the powerful and real-time knowledge tool for millions of users at their fingertips, at no extra cost. This first-of-its-kind Gen-AI partnership in India is focused on helping our customers navigate the emerging trends in the digital world with confidence and ease.” Similarly, Aravind Srinivas, Perplexity’s Co-founder and CEO, emphasized, “This partnership is an exciting way to make accurate, trustworthy, and professional-grade AI accessible to more people in India—whether a student, working professional, or managing a household.”
Tips for Maximizing Your Perplexity Pro Experience
To get the most out of your free Perplexity Pro subscription, consider the following tips:
- Experiment with Different AI Models: Try switching between models like GPT-4.1, Claude, and Sonar to see which one delivers the best results for your specific queries. Each model has unique strengths, so experimenting can help you find the right fit.
- Use File Uploads for Research: If you’re working on a project, upload relevant documents to Perplexity Pro for quick summarization and analysis. This can save hours of manual research.
- Leverage Perplexity Labs for Creativity: Explore Perplexity Labs to prototype ideas or create visualizations. This feature is particularly useful for brainstorming and presenting data in a compelling way.
- Take Advantage of Image Generation: Use the text-to-image generator to create visuals for presentations, social media, or personal projects. This can add a professional touch to your work.
- Set Reminders for the Offer Deadline: The offer is valid until January 17, 2026, so make sure to claim it before the deadline. Once activated, your subscription will last for 12 months without auto-renewing.
By incorporating these strategies, you can fully harness the power of Perplexity Pro to enhance your productivity and creativity.
The Broader Impact of AI Accessibility in India
Airtel’s partnership with Perplexity is part of a broader trend of increasing AI accessibility in India. Just days before this announcement, Google offered a free one-year subscription to its Gemini Pro plan for students aged 18 and over, valued at ₹19,500. This indicates a growing recognition of the importance of AI tools in education, work, and daily life. By making Perplexity Pro available to all 360 million of its customers, Airtel is democratizing access to advanced AI, enabling users from all walks of life to benefit from cutting-edge technology.
This initiative also underscores the potential of AI to transform how people access and process information. In a country with a massive and diverse internet user base, tools like Perplexity Pro can empower individuals to make informed decisions, pursue academic excellence, and drive innovation in their professional fields. As AI continues to evolve, partnerships like this one will play a crucial role in shaping India’s digital future.
Airtel x Perplexity Pro Free Offer — All You Need to Know
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Offer Name | Airtel Free Perplexity Pro Subscription |
| Value of Subscription | ₹17,000/year |
| Duration | 12 Months (1 Year) |
| Eligible Users | All Airtel Mobile, Wi-Fi, and DTH Customers |
| Platforms Needed | Airtel Thanks App + Perplexity AI App/Web |
| Launch Date | July 17, 2025 |
| Claiming Deadline | Not officially announced (claim as early as possible) |
| Access to AI Models | GPT-4.1, Claude 4.0 Sonnet, Gemini 2.5 Pro, Sonar (in-house), R1, Grok4 |
| Daily Pro Searches | Up to 300 searches/day |
| Advanced Features | – Model switching (OpenAI, Google, Anthropic) – Document uploads and summarization – Perplexity Labs – AI image generation |
| Mode Selector | Best Mode (Auto-selects best model per query) |
| Real-Time Answers | Yes – With citation-based web results and natural responses |
| Official App Required | Perplexity AI App or Website + Airtel Thanks App |
| Unique Edge Over ChatGPT/Gemini | Combines search + conversational AI for instant, verified, and researched answers |
| Use Cases | Students, researchers, professionals, creators, developers, and entrepreneurs |
| Redemption Process (Quick Steps) | 1. Open Airtel Thanks App2. Go to Rewards → Perplexity Pro → ‘Claim Now’3. Enter your registered email ID4. Verify OTP5. Get Perplexity Pro code6. Sign in to Perplexity with the same email7. Apply code and enjoy! |
| Share Market Impact | Airtel shares fell 0.4% post announcement; strategic move to tackle Jio’s rising dominance |
| Target Audience | 360 Million Airtel Customers across India |
| Official Benefit Summary | Free access to advanced AI tools for knowledge, productivity, and creativity |
Why Is This a Game-Changer for Airtel Users?
- ₹17,000 saved instantly on an annual AI tool suite.
- Enhanced productivity, smarter search, and creative capabilities.
- Access to multi-model AI ecosystem — perfect for students, researchers, coders, bloggers, and decision-makers.
- Competing directly with OpenAI’s ChatGPT Plus, Google Gemini, and Claude.ai— but bundled for free!
Conclusion
Airtel’s offer of a free one-year Perplexity Pro subscription, valued at ₹17,000, is a remarkable opportunity for its 360 million customers to access a powerful AI-powered search and answer engine. By following the simple steps outlined above, Airtel users can claim this subscription through the Airtel Thanks app and unlock a suite of advanced features, including up to 300 daily searches, access to cutting-edge AI models, file analysis, image generation, and Perplexity Labs. Whether you’re a student conducting research, a professional streamlining workflows, or a homemaker planning daily tasks, Perplexity Pro offers tools to enhance productivity and decision-making.
This partnership between Airtel and Perplexity marks a significant step toward making professional-grade AI accessible to millions in India. By offering this subscription at no extra cost, Airtel is not only adding value to its services but also positioning itself as a leader in the integration of AI into everyday life. Don’t miss out on this opportunity—log in to the Airtel Thanks app today, claim your free Perplexity Pro subscription, and experience the power of AI-driven search and research for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) — Airtel’s Free ₹17,000 Perplexity Pro Access
1. What is the Perplexity Pro offer for Airtel users?
Bharti Airtel has partnered with AI search platform Perplexity to offer its premium Perplexity Pro subscription (worth ₹17,000/year) absolutely free for 12 months to all its customers — including Mobile, Broadband (Wi-Fi), and DTH users.
2. What is Perplexity Pro and how is it different from regular AI chatbots?
Perplexity Pro is an advanced AI-powered search and answer engine, not just a chatbot. Unlike traditional tools like ChatGPT or Gemini that rely heavily on static training data, Perplexity Pro:
- Retrieves real-time, internet-sourced answers
- Uses multiple advanced AI models like GPT-4.1, Claude 4.0, Sonar, R1, and Gemini 2.5 Pro
- Offers deep research, citations, document summarization, and even AI image generation
3. Who is eligible for the Airtel x Perplexity Pro offer?
All Airtel customers — whether you’re using Airtel for mobile, Wi-Fi, or DTH services — are eligible to claim this offer.
4. How long is the subscription valid?
The Perplexity Pro subscription is valid for 12 months from the date of activation.
5. How do I claim the Perplexity Pro subscription as an Airtel user?
Follow these simple steps:
- Open the Airtel Thanks App and log in.
- Navigate to the ‘Rewards’ section.
- Tap on the Perplexity Pro offer and click ‘Claim Now’.
- Enter your registered email ID and verify it with the OTP.
- You’ll receive a Perplexity Pro access code.
- Open the Perplexity app or website and sign in using the same email ID.
- Enter the code to activate Perplexity Pro free for 12 months.
6. What features are included in Perplexity Pro?
Perplexity Pro includes:
- Up to 300 AI-powered searches per day
- Choice of multiple LLMs (GPT-4.1, Claude 4.0 Sonnet, R1, Gemini 2.5, etc.)
- File upload and summarization
- Perplexity Labs for AI-driven content creation and research
- Best Mode — automatically selects the most suitable AI model for each query
- Text-to-image generation using DALL·E and other tools
7. Can I switch between different AI models in Perplexity Pro?
Yes! This is one of the key advantages of the Pro version. You can manually choose the model (e.g., GPT-4.1, Claude, Gemini) or let the Best Mode intelligently pick the best model for your task.
8. How is this different from using ChatGPT Plus or Gemini Advanced?
Unlike ChatGPT Plus or Gemini Advanced which are tied to single platforms (OpenAI or Google), Perplexity Pro gives you access to multiple models in one place, real-time web-based results, verified citations, and better research capabilities — making it more versatile and research-driven.
9. What is the market value of Perplexity Pro and why is Airtel offering it for free?
The annual subscription of Perplexity Pro is ₹17,000. Airtel is offering it free of cost to all 360 million users as part of a strategic initiative to:
- Add more value to its subscriber base
- Enhance user engagement via AI tools
- Compete against Jio’s expanding digital ecosystem
10. Is there any catch or hidden fee in this offer?
No hidden costs. The offer is completely free for one year to all active Airtel users. No payment or credit card required during redemption.
11. What happens after the 12-month free period ends?
After the free period, you may choose to:
- Subscribe to Perplexity Pro at the standard pricing (₹17,000/year)
- Downgrade to a free basic version (if available)
Airtel may extend or revise the offer depending on its future partnership with Perplexity.
12. Can I access Perplexity Pro on multiple devices?
Yes, once activated, your subscription is linked to your email ID. You can log in to Perplexity on any device using the same email and access code.
13. Where can I download the Perplexity app?
You can download Perplexity from:
- Google Play Store
- Apple App Store
Or simply use it via the official website: www.perplexity.ai
14. Why should I use this offer right now?
Because:
- It’s worth ₹17,000
- It’s absolutely free
- It offers tools that boost productivity, research, creativity, and learning
- And it’s a limited-time offer — so claim it before it ends!