OpenAI has rolled out a cheaper subscription for India called ChatGPT Go, priced at ₹399 per month. The plan sits between the free version and the more expensive Plus tier, giving everyday users a chance to try advanced AI without paying a heavy premium.
For a lot of people here, cost has been the deal-breaker. The Plus plan costs close to ₹2,000 a month, which puts it out of reach for students, freelancers and casual users. By launching Go at a fraction of that price, OpenAI is showing it understands how much value matters in the Indian market.
Payments are another big shift. Instead of forcing people to use credit cards, OpenAI now accepts UPI through Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm and others. That single change makes signing up far simpler for millions.
Go comes with access to GPT-5, the same powerful model behind OpenAI’s top subscriptions. In plain words, it means sharper answers, better reasoning and smoother conversations whether you’re studying, working, or creating content.
The limits are much higher than the free tier. Users can send ten times more messages, generate more images, and upload a larger number of files. Chat memory is also twice as long, so interactions don’t feel like they’re starting from scratch every time. OpenAI has even strengthened Indic language support, a big plus in a country with so many languages.
And of course, the headline point remains the price. ₹399 with UPI support feels built for how India already operates online.
This isn’t the full professional kit. While GPT-5 is included, tools like connectors, older model options, and video features such as Sora are still locked behind Plus or Pro. Go is better seen as a step-up plan, something stronger than free, but lighter and cheaper than the top tiers.
Switching to Go is simple. Log in to your ChatGPT account, hit “Upgrade Plan”, pick Go, and pay. With UPI now accepted, you can just use Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm or whichever app you already rely on. That small tweak alone will bring in a lot of new users.
For years, India has been the market no global company can ignore. Tech firms, retailers, even lifestyle brands, everyone sees the scale and the growth. So it’s not surprising that OpenAI chose India as the first stop for this new plan.
The numbers tell the story. According to Mary Meeker’s AI Trends Report (June 2025), India makes up 13.5% of global monthly ChatGPT users, compared with the United States at 8.9%.
But it’s not just about statistics. India brings together three things: a massive digital-first population, a culture that loves trying new tech, and a strong preference for affordable pricing. That mix makes the country the perfect testing ground. OpenAI is betting that what it learns here will shape how the Go plan rolls out elsewhere.
The launch of ChatGPT Go underlines how seriously OpenAI is looking at India. Instead of pushing the same plan worldwide, it has built one that fits local habits, a lower price point and payments through UPI, which is already the backbone of daily transactions.
This is more than just another product release. It’s a sign that OpenAI is adapting its business to the way India’s digital economy works.
The timing matters too. The AI field here is heating up, with Google, Anthropic, Perplexity and others all trying to capture the same audience. By going affordable and easy to access, OpenAI is making its move to become the everyday AI tool for millions across the country.