The digital wave is transforming the way we access information, and Bharti Airtel, one of India’s largest telecom operators, has just delivered a game-changing offering. In an unprecedented partnership, Airtel is now providing its entire subscriber base—over 360 million users—with one year of free access to Perplexity Pro, the premium tier of the globally renowned AI-powered search and answer platform.
This exclusive deal—valued at ₹17,000—breaks new ground, making professional-grade artificial intelligence accessible to every Airtel customer at no extra cost. But what does this mean for you? How do you claim the offer? And why is Perplexity Pro such a big deal? This article explains everything you need to know about securing and maximizing your free Perplexity AI Pro subscription through Airtel.
What is Perplexity AI Pro? Why Is It Valuable?
The Evolution of Search
Traditional search engines simply list links. Perplexity AI goes further: it’s an advanced, real-time conversational AI engine that synthesizes information from the web and provides direct, trustworthy answers with sources. The Pro version elevates this capability with faster response times, access to the most advanced AI models, and a host of research and productivity features.
Key Features of Perplexity Pro
- Access to Advanced AI Models: Choose from industry-leading models including GPT-4.1, Claude, Gemini, Grok, and more.
- 300 Pro Searches Per Day: Get hundreds of priority, high-accuracy queries daily.
- File Upload and Analysis: Upload documents, PDFs, spreadsheets, and other files for instant summary, extraction, or deep research.
- Image Generation: Convert text prompts into visuals using cutting-edge AI image models.
- Labs: Build spreadsheets, web apps, automations, and even code, all through conversational prompts.
- Customized Results: Personalize searches and research flows for professional, academic, or personal needs.
- No Payment Required: Full year of Pro features with no credit card or billing details needed.
With these features, Perplexity Pro is an invaluable companion for students, professionals, researchers, and anyone seeking accurate, efficient information retrieval and analysis.
The Airtel–Perplexity AI Partnership
What’s the Deal?
In July 2025, Bharti Airtel announced its partnership with US-based AI innovator Perplexity to provide a complimentary annual subscription of Perplexity Pro (worth ₹17,000) to all its mobile (prepaid and postpaid), broadband (Wi-Fi), and DTH users. This is the first-of-its-kind AI distribution deal by an Indian telecom company, opening up access to millions of users who would otherwise need to pay for such premium tools.
Why Is Airtel Offering This?
- Digital Leadership: The partnership reinforces Airtel’s position as a tech-first and AI-embracing brand.
- User Empowerment: By providing world-class AI tools at no cost, Airtel empowers its users—students, homemakers, business professionals—to be more productive, creative, and informed.
- Market Differentiation: In a competitive telecom landscape, such exclusive benefits increase user loyalty and set Airtel apart.
Who Is Eligible for the Free Perplexity Pro Offer?
All Airtel customers—regardless of whether they are on prepaid, postpaid, broadband, or DTH plans—are eligible for one free year of Perplexity Pro. This includes:
- Mobile (both prepaid and postpaid)
- Customers on Fiber or DSL Broadband
- Airtel Xstream DTH users
There is no minimum recharge or spending requirement specified, making the offer available to virtually every active Airtel subscriber.
Step-by-Step: How to Claim Your Free Perplexity AI Pro Subscription
Getting started with Perplexity Pro via Airtel is quick and straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Download/Update the Airtel Thanks App
- Ensure you have the latest version of the Airtel Thanks app installed on your mobile device (Android or iOS).
2. Log In With Your Airtel Number
- Sign in using your Airtel mobile number linked to your account.
3. Locate the Perplexity Pro Offer
- Navigate to the ‘Rewards and OTTs’ section or look for ‘Discover Airtel Thanks Benefits’ in the app dashboard.
- Find the Perplexity AI Pro banner or tile.
4. Claim the Offer
- Tap on the Perplexity Pro offer.
- You’ll be prompted to verify your Airtel number if you haven’t already.
- Tap ‘Claim Now’ or the equivalent button.
5. Create/Link Your Perplexity Account
- You’ll be redirected to the Perplexity AI sign-up/login page.
- Sign in with your Gmail, Apple ID, or create a new Perplexity account.
- Once linked, your annual Perplexity Pro access will be instantly activated. No payment information is required, and you won’t be auto-enrolled for billing after one year.
6. Start Exploring
- Enjoy all premium AI features on desktop or mobile—upload files, generate images, ask research questions, and more.
Tip: If you run into any issues (such as the offer tile not appearing), contact Airtel customer support through the app or website, as some users have reported initial glitches during rollout.
What You Get: Full List of Perplexity Pro Benefits
The exclusive Airtel deal unlocks the complete Perplexity Pro experience, including:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| 300 Pro searches per day | Faster, priority answers to complex queries |
| Advanced AI models | Choose from GPT-4.1, Claude 3/4, Gemini, Grok |
| File upload & analysis | Summarize, extract, analyze PDFs, docs, datasets |
| Image generation | Convert words into images instantly |
| Free access for 12 months | No payment, no auto-renewal |
| Labs & Automation | Build automations, spreadsheets, dashboards |
| Works on mobile/desktop | Access on any major device |
| Source-cited responses | Reliable, fact-checked, and referenced answers |
Whether you’re a student, professional, content creator, or simply an AI enthusiast, these perks can streamline workflows, boost creativity, and elevate research accuracy.
Use Cases: Transforming Productivity and Learning
Here’s how different users can benefit:
- Students: Get concise, cited summaries for assignments or research, upload files for analysis, and generate project visuals in seconds.
- Professionals: Automate data extraction, create reports, plan travel (with personalized itineraries), or brainstorm ideas with AI.
- Homemakers: Quickly lookup recipes, daily tips, or manage personal schedules.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Experiment with the latest AI models, prompt engineering, and even build custom automations.
Why This Offer Is a Major Milestone for AI in India
- Democratizing AI: For the first time, a sophisticated AI assistant is available to hundreds of millions of Indians at no cost, fostering digital literacy at scale.
- Brand Differentiation: Airtel’s move signals the growing influence and value of AI in the telecom and consumer tech space.
- Market Impact: Since launch, downloads for the Perplexity app have skyrocketed, even surpassing competitors like ChatGPT on Apple’s App Store in India.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Perplexity Pro offer really free?
Yes. There are no hidden charges, no need to enter payment details, and no auto-renewal after the year is up.
Can I claim the offer for multiple Airtel accounts?
The offer is designed for individual user activation per unique Airtel number/account.
What happens after 12 months?
You will revert to the basic (free) Perplexity plan unless you choose to subscribe to Pro at standard rates.
Is it available for business accounts?
Currently, the offer is intended for individual Airtel subscribers, not business/corporate plans.
Final Thoughts
Airtel’s partnership with Perplexity AI is a leap forward for digital empowerment in India. By making top-tier AI accessible for free to all customers, Airtel democratizes high-quality, reliable information, research, and creative tools at an unprecedented scale.
Don’t miss out: open your Airtel Thanks app, claim your Perplexity Pro subscription, and start exploring the future of AI-powered productivity—absolutely free for a whole year.
