Adobe has announced a major initiative to accelerate AI-driven creativity and productivity among Indian students by offering free access to Photoshop, Acrobat Pro and Firefly AI through accredited higher education institutions across India. The announcement was made at the AI Impact India 2026 Summit, aligning with the Government of India’s push towards an AI-ready workforce. The move aims to empower millions of students with industry-standard creativity and productivity tools, along with structured learning, training and certifications designed for early AI careers.
Free Adobe Creative & Productivity Toolkit for Students
Under the new program, students enrolled in accredited higher education institutions will have free access to:
- Adobe Photoshop for digital imaging, design and visual storytelling
- Adobe Acrobat Pro for document editing, collaboration and productivity
- Adobe Firefly, Adobe’s comprehensive creative AI platform
The toolkit also includes an AI-first curriculum, training modules and credentials, helping students stand out as they enter the job market
Support of Create-in-India and AVGC of India
Adobe’s announcement reinforces the Government of India’s vision for Make in India and complements the Union Budget 2026, which outlines plans to create two million jobs in Animation, Visual Effects, Games and Comics (AVGC) by 2030. As part of this effort, Adobe will provide its industry insights and summits free of charge to 15,000 schools and 500 colleges that will host Content Creator Labs, in partnership with the Government of India.
“Adobe is expanding the opportunity for creativity to millions of students across India by empowering them with AI capabilities, further accelerating Prime Minister Modi’s vision,” said Shantanu Narayen, Adobe chairman and CEO.
Firefly AI: Choice, Security and Creative Freedom
Adobe Firefly serves as a unified creative AI studio, integrating Adobe’s own AI models with leading third-party models from partners such as Google, OpenAI and Runway.
Adobe states that Firefly offers:
- Commercially safe content generated by AI
- Model choice and flexibility
- Seamless integration directly within Adobe applications
This approach allows students to experiment, create and innovate responsibly while learning how AI is used in real-world creative workflows.
Partnership with NASSCOM FutureSkills Prime
As an extension of Adobe Digital Academy, Adobe India has partnered with NASSCOM FutureSkills Prime, a national skills initiative supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
Through this collaboration, students will have access to:
- Free AI-related and creative courses for industry
- Certifications aligned with future job roles
- Skills that include design, animation, gaming, marketing, media, e-commerce, education and technology
Showcasing India’s AI creativity
At the AI Impact India 2026 Summit, Adobe is also showcasing “Kathāvatār,” a collection of five Made-in-India AI short films inspired by Indian folklore. Created in partnership with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the films highlight how a new generation of Indian creators are using AI tools to tell stories with cultural roots.
The free Adobe student offer will be available to students across India through accredited higher education institutions. Access details will be managed through participating institutions.
