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Adobe plans to provide free access to a bundle of its AI-focused creative and document tools for students across India, with a nationwide rollout covering 15,000 schools and 500 colleges.
The package includes Photoshop, Acrobat and Firefly, along with an AI-focused curriculum and certifications described as industry-recognised. Access will be delivered through accredited higher education institutions.
Shantanu Narayen, Adobe's chair and CEO, announced the initiative at the India AI Impact Summit. The offer places Adobe software in education settings that are establishing "Content Creator Labs", according to the statement.
Education push
The initiative aligns with India's policy focus on skills and employment in digital content industries. The Union Budget 2026 referenced an ambition to create two million jobs by 2030 in Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics, often grouped under the AVGC label.
Adobe framed the offer as aligned with the Government of India's "Create in India" vision, and as part of Adobe Digital Academy, which it describes as a global skills and career pathway programme.
The programme relies on partnerships in India's digital skilling ecosystem, including NASSCOM FutureSkills Prime, a digital skills initiative that operates in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
Under the plan, learners get access to both the software and structured learning materials. The courses and certificates are free and intended to be relevant to industry.
Tools and models
Adobe positions Firefly as its central product for generative AI creation, describing it as an "all-in-one creative AI studio" that brings different models together in one place.
Alongside Adobe's own models, Firefly integrates models from partners including Google, OpenAI and Runway, giving users a choice of which model to use within Adobe applications.
The bundle also includes Photoshop and Acrobat Pro. Acrobat Pro supports document workflows such as editing text and images and collaborating on files.
Adobe also highlighted its approach to generative AI for commercial use, saying students will have access to AI-generated content that is "safe and ready for commercial use".
Access route
The offer is aimed at students who access it through accredited institutions, rather than through individual direct sign-ups.
Adobe said the programme reaches millions of students, but did not provide a consolidated figure for how many learners will receive access via the 15,000 schools and 500 colleges.
The language also points to a broader shift in where advanced creative tools sit in education. By placing Photoshop and Firefly in institutional settings, Adobe is tying its software more closely to early skills formation and credentialing, rather than limiting adoption to professional studios and agencies.
Summit activity
Adobe is participating in the India AI Impact Summit through a dedicated "experience zone" and multiple panel discussions. Narayen appeared as a keynote speaker.
At the summit, Adobe is showcasing "Kathāvatār", a set of five short AI films based on Indian folklore, made in partnership with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Adobe said the films were created by a new generation of AI filmmakers and will premiere at the Ministry's AI Theatre during the summit.
India footprint
Adobe began operations in India in 1997 as an engineering research and development centre. It now describes India as its second-largest workforce globally, with more than 8,000 employees across four campuses.
Adobe said India contributes more than a third of its innovation agenda, spanning product engineering, design, sales, customer experience and corporate functions.
In a statement issued alongside the announcement, Narayen linked the student offering to the country's national agenda for skills and development.
"Adobe is expanding the opportunity for creativity for millions of students across India, empowering them with AI skills, further accelerating Prime Minister Modi's vision," said Shantanu Narayen, chair and CEO, Adobe.