Airtel is giving away one year Perplexity Pro subscription for free: Here’s how to claim it

In a major move that could redefine how Indians interact with artificial intelligence, telecom giant Airtel is now offering a free one-year subscription to Perplexity Pro, one of the world’s fastest-growing AI-powered search platforms. This subscription, normally priced at ₹17,000 annually, is being bundled at no cost with Airtel’s services—including prepaid, postpaid, broadband, and DTH connections.

This bold offer underscores Airtel’s growing push to integrate cutting-edge AI into the daily lives of its users. But what exactly is Perplexity Pro, why is this offer significant, and how can you claim it? Let’s break it down.


What Is Perplexity Pro and Why Does It Matter?

Perplexity Pro is an AI-powered search and answer engine built on top of multiple large language models (LLMs) like GPT-4.1, Claude 3 Opus, Mistral, and more. Unlike traditional search engines that deliver a list of links, Perplexity delivers concise, reliable answers backed by live sources. Users can interact with it in a conversational style, much like ChatGPT, but with stronger real-time web access and built-in citations for transparency.

Some of the premium features Perplexity Pro offers include:

  • Access to multiple LLMs (like GPT-4.1, Claude 3, and others)
  • Unlimited daily searches
  • File and document uploads
  • Image generation
  • Interactive tools like dashboards and code execution via “Labs”
  • Ad-free experience with faster response times

For students, researchers, journalists, marketers, and even curious learners, this tool can be transformative. And now, thanks to Airtel, millions can access it at zero cost.


Who Is Eligible for the Free Subscription?

The great news is that almost all Airtel users are eligible. Whether you’re on prepaid, postpaid, fiber broadband, or even DTH services, you’re likely to qualify.

That said, the offer is best accessed via the Airtel Thanks app. While no specific recharge or plan condition has been officially announced, some users have reported that the offer shows up more consistently for those on 84-day or annual recharge plans, especially those above ₹489.

It’s also worth noting that the offer is time-bound and will be available until January 17, 2026, giving you ample time to activate it.


Step-by-Step Guide to Claim the Free Perplexity Pro Subscription

Claiming your free Perplexity Pro access is easy. Just follow these simple steps:

  1. Open the Airtel Thanks App: Ensure you have the latest version installed on your device.
  2. Go to the Rewards or Subscriptions Section: Scroll or search for the “Perplexity Pro” banner or tile.
  3. Click on Claim Now: You’ll be redirected to a page with instructions.
  4. Enter Your Email Address: This is the email you’ll use to access Perplexity Pro.
  5. Verify with OTP: You’ll receive a one-time password on your email—enter it to confirm.
  6. Complete Activation on Perplexity’s Website or App: Log in with the same email and input the code from Airtel.
  7. Enjoy Your Free Subscription: No credit card or payment method is required.

Once activated, you can begin using all premium features immediately.


Why Airtel Is Giving This Away for Free

Airtel’s partnership with Perplexity represents more than just a promotional campaign. It signals the growing relevance of AI in the Indian digital space.

Much like how telcos once bundled music or video streaming services to differentiate themselves, Airtel is now betting on AI-as-a-service as the next big thing. By providing free access to a sophisticated tool like Perplexity Pro, it not only adds value for existing customers but also positions itself as a forward-thinking, tech-first telecom provider.

This move comes amid global trends where companies like T-Mobile (USA) and SoftBank (Japan) have also explored bundling AI products with connectivity services.


How This Offer Benefits You

The average internet user relies on Google for quick queries—but that often leads to sifting through ads, outdated articles, or unreliable information. Perplexity Pro changes that by offering real-time, verified answers supported by source links.

Here are a few ways you might use it:

  • Students: Summarize large PDFs, ask it to explain difficult topics, or brainstorm ideas.
  • Professionals: Conduct market research, analyze trends, or get code help.
  • Writers/Journalists: Generate outlines, fact-check claims, and explore diverse sources.
  • Travelers & Shoppers: Compare products, get travel guides, or translate foreign-language text.

In essence, it becomes your personal research assistant, accessible any time of day.


Will It Auto-Renew After One Year?

No, the Perplexity Pro access via Airtel does not auto-renew. Once the 12-month subscription ends, users will revert to the free version of Perplexity unless they choose to pay for a Pro plan. Airtel has clarified that no payment method is required to activate the offer.


Final Thoughts

Airtel’s decision to offer a free annual Perplexity Pro subscription is not just a clever marketing move—it’s a glimpse into the future of how AI will integrate into everyday life. With the rapid pace at which artificial intelligence is evolving, tools like Perplexity can give users a genuine edge—whether academically, professionally, or personally.

If you’re an Airtel user, this is a no-brainer. You’re essentially getting a ₹17,000/year premium AI assistant for free. All you need to do is claim it through the Airtel Thanks app and unlock a new way to learn, search, and create.