Highlights
- Adobe will provide Photoshop, Acrobat, and Firefly at no cost to students in accredited higher education institutions across India.
- The initiative includes structured curriculum training and integration with 15,000 schools and 500 colleges via Content Creator Labs.
- Adobe has also partnered with NASSCOM FutureSkills Prime to deliver AI-focused learning programmes and certifications.
Adobe has unveiled a major initiative aimed at empowering students across India. The US-based technology giant announced that students enrolled in accredited higher education institutions nationwide will receive free access to several of its leading productivity and creativity applications including Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Acrobat, and Adobe Firefly.
The announcement was made during the the India AI Impact Summit 2026, currently being held at Bharat Mandapam. Adobe described the initiative as a “strategic investment” that is expected to “accelerate” AI-enabled creativity and productivity in the country.
Free Adobe Apps for Students Across India
Under the newly introduced plan, all students studying at accredited higher education institutions in India will be eligible for complimentary access to Photoshop, Acrobat, and Firefly.
At present, Adobe offers a student subscription package in India that includes Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere, and Acrobat Pro. The new move significantly expands access without subscription costs.
In addition to providing free access to its AI-powered tools, Adobe stated that students will also receive structured curriculum support to help them learn how to effectively use these applications. The company highlighted that its “AI-first” offering with the dedicated curriculum will be extended at no cost to students across 15,000 schools and 500 colleges that will feature Content Creator Labs.
To recall, the Content Creator Labs initiative was announced by the Indian government as part of the Union Budget 2026. It has the goal of generating 20 lakh Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC) jobs by 2030.
As of now, Adobe’s Creative Cloud Pro student subscription in India is priced at Rs. 400 for the first month and Rs. 2,714 per month thereafter.
Partnership With NASSCOM FutureSkills Prime
Alongside the free software access, Adobe also revealed a partnership with NASSCOM through its NASSCOM FutureSkills Prime platform. Through this collaboration, students will gain access to AI-focused learning programmes and certifications.
Adobe said this partnership builds on its global training and career pathway programme, the Adobe Digital Academy, further strengthening its commitment to skill development in the AI and creative technology domains.
FAQs
Q1. Who is eligible for Adobe’s free apps in India?
Answer. Students enrolled in accredited higher education institutions across India will receive complimentary access to Adobe Photoshop, Acrobat, and Firefly.
Q2. What additional support will students get besides free software?
Answer. Adobe will provide structured curriculum training and extend its “AI-first” offering to 15,000 schools and 500 colleges through Content Creator Labs, supporting India’s AVGC job creation goals.
Q3. How is Adobe partnering to enhance student skills?
Answer. Adobe has teamed up with NASSCOM FutureSkills Prime to deliver AI-focused learning programmes and certifications, building on its global Adobe Digital Academy initiative.