Adobe to Offer Free Photoshop, Acrobat and Firefly AI Access to Students in India

Software major Adobe has announced a major education-focused initiative to provide free access to its leading creative and productivity tools for students across India. The announcement was made at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, where the company outlined plans to equip young learners with industry-relevant digital and AI skills.

Under the programme, students enrolled in eligible higher education institutions will be able to use applications such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Acrobat and Adobe Firefly at no cost. However, access will not be offered directly to individuals. Instead, institutions must participate through designated “Content Creator Labs,” which are being set up in schools and colleges as part of a broader push to strengthen India’s creative and digital economy.

The initiative is expected to benefit students from approximately 15,000 schools and 500 colleges that are being equipped with the required infrastructure. These labs aim to support hands-on training in creative technologies and emerging AI-driven workflows, particularly in sectors such as animation, visual effects, gaming and digital content creation.

In addition to free software access, Adobe will introduce structured learning resources, certification programmes and training modules aligned with industry standards. The company has partnered with NASSCOM FutureSkills Prime to expand digital skilling efforts and help students earn credentials that improve employability in technology and creative domains.

Adobe Chair and CEO Shantanu Narayen described the move as a strategic investment in India’s future workforce. He said the programme aligns with the government’s vision of strengthening AI capabilities and digital innovation, a goal repeatedly emphasised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. By removing cost barriers to professional-grade tools and integrating AI into learning environments, Adobe aims to empower millions of Indian students with practical skills that meet the evolving demands of the global digital economy.