To promote 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.
Available in 15,000 Schools and 500 Colleges
This AI-first offering will be provided to students in 15,000 schools and 500 colleges where Content Creator Labs have already been set up.
The initiative supports a 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 2030, and Adobe’s initiative is seen as an important step toward achieving this goal.
Students Will Get Courses and Certifications
Students will not only receive free access to software but also specialized courses on how to use these tools effectively.
This program will be implemented in partnership with NASSCOM’s FutureSkills Prime, which runs in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
Through this initiative, students will get free industry-aligned courses and certifications focused on AI-first learning.
Direct Access to Adobe Firefly and Advanced AI Tools
A key part of the program is direct access to Adobe Firefly, Adobe’s generative AI platform. Firefly integrates models from major AI partners such as Google, OpenAI, and Runway.
This will allow students to use advanced AI tools in fields like graphic design, animation, marketing, and technology.
AI Short Film Series and India’s Creative Future
At the India AI Impact Summit, Adobe also showcased Kathvatr, an AI-powered short film series based on Indian folktales.
It was created in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and demonstrates how traditional stories can be presented in new digital formats using AI.
Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen said that this initiative will support Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for digital growth 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.
