To boost creative and AI skills in India, Adobe has made a major announcement.
The company said that students from recognized educational institutions across the country will get its powerful tools—such as Photoshop, Acrobat, and Adobe Firefly—completely free.
This announcement was made on 19 February during the India AI Impact Summit held in New Delhi. Adobe described this move as a “strategic investment” to accelerate AI-based creativity and productivity in India.
This AI-first offering will be available to students from 15,000 schools and 500 colleges where Content Creator Labs have already been set up.
The initiative supports the government program announced in the Union Budget 2026, which aims to create large-scale employment in the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC) sector by 2030.
The government plans to create around 20 lakh jobs in the AVGC sector by that year, and Adobe’s initiative is seen as a strong step toward this goal.
Free Courses and Certifications for Students
Adobe will not only provide free software access but also offer specialized courses to help students learn how to use these tools effectively.
The program will be implemented in partnership with NASSCOM FutureSkills Prime, a national digital skills mission run by NASSCOM in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
Students will receive free industry-aligned courses and certifications focused on AI-first learning.
A key feature of the program is direct access to Adobe Firefly, the company’s generative AI platform. Firefly integrates AI models from major partners such as Google, OpenAI, and Runway.
This will allow students to use advanced AI tools in areas like graphic design, animation, marketing, and technology.
AI-Powered Film Project Showcased at Summit
During the India AI Impact Summit, Adobe also presented Kathvatr, an AI-powered short film series based on Indian folktales.
The project was created in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and shows how traditional stories can be presented in new digital formats using AI.
Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen said that this initiative will help advance Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for digital and AI development.
Overall, the program will not only give students access to global-level tools but also help position India as a leader in the AI-driven creative economy.
