India’s AI scene just got a jolt. OpenAI has announced that its mid-tier subscription plan ChatGPT Go—originally priced at ₹399/month in India—will be offered free for a full year to Indian users from November 4, 2025.
But what about those who already subscribed and paid? If you were among the early adopters of ChatGPT Go, here’s how this change affects you—and what to do next.
Why the free-offer?
The rationale is clear: India is a fast-growing market for AI, and OpenAI wants to boost adoption, data usage, ecosystem growth. Offering Go free lowers the barrier.
What happens to existing subscribers?
According to OpenAI’s communications:
If you are an existing ChatGPT Go subscriber (on web or Android), you will automatically receive an extension of 12 free months after your current billing cycle ends.
If you paid via Apple App Store, the situation is slightly different: you are advised to cancel the subscription, wait for the current paid period to end, and then redeem the free-offer.
If you just renewed and were charged after the free-offer announcement, OpenAI says they will add the additional 12 months of free access starting after your paid period ends.
What if you signed up after Nov 4?
New users signing up from November 4 will be able to claim the free offer immediately (or via the “Try Go for free” option) and enjoy the upgraded features without paying.
What features do you get under Go?
Go has already offered more than the standard free tier: higher message limits, image generation uploads, file uploads, longer memory (GPT-5 support) etc. ([TechRadar][5]) So getting it free means advanced AI features at no cost for 12 months.
https://streamlite.in/chatgptgo-free-oneyear-india/
Things to watch out for
After the free year ends, billing will resume at the standard Go rate, unless you cancel.
Make sure your payment method is valid and you follow the “redeem” steps as prescribed.
If you subscribed via certain stores (e.g., Apple), follow the specific instructions to avoid losing the free-offer.
Keep track of your billing date and when the free period ends.
Key Takeaways
The free-offer is a strong win for Indian users: advanced AI at no cost for 12 months.
Existing payers are not left out—they will benefit via automatic extension (or must follow store-specific steps).
After the offer ends, you’ll need to decide whether to continue with Go, downgrade to free tier, or switch to another plan.
For OpenAI, this is a big strategic move to capture the Indian market. For you, it’s a chance to explore more AI features without paying—just don’t forget the timelines.
FAQ
Q1. I paid for ChatGPT Go last month—will I get refunded?
You won’t necessarily receive a refund. Instead, OpenAI says you’ll get 12 months free after your paid period ends (web/Android). If via Apple, cancel first then redeem.
Q2. Do I need to do anything to claim the free year if I already paid?
If you subscribed via web/Android, likely not — the extension is automatic. But check your billing date and watch your account. If via Apple store, cancel the subscription and re-enrol.
Q3. What happens after the 12-month free period?
Your subscription will auto-renew at the standard Go price unless you cancel before the renewal date.
Q4. Does this mean ChatGPT Go features will remain free indefinitely?
No—this is a 12-month promotional offer. After that, you’ll revert to paid or free tier based on your choice.
Q5. Will this free offer be available outside India?
As of now, the free-offer applies to India. OpenAI might expand similar offers globally but no official global release has been announced.