10 AI Tools Indians Are Actually Using Daily In 2026 (Beyond ChatGPT)

India leads global AI adoption with 92% of companies using AI, far surpassing the worldwide average of 72%.[2] While ChatGPT dominates with over 550 million monthly mobile app users worldwide, 1 in 5 active AI users prefer alternatives like Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, Perplexity, Claude, and Deepseek.[1] In 2026, Indians—number one in ChatGPT mobile usage—are increasingly turning to these tools for work, education, and daily tasks, driven by high mobile penetration and initiatives like OpenAI Academy training 1 million teachers.[2]

The AI Boom in India: Why Beyond ChatGPT?

India’s AI services exports are projected to hit US$17 billion by 2027, fueled by 92% workplace GenAI use.[2] An EY survey of 200 enterprise leaders shows 47% running multiple GenAI use cases, with 10% scaling across businesses and nearly half moving over 10% of POCs to production.[3] Over 40% of India’s IT and gig workforce uses AI for automation, analytics, and creative tasks.[6] Globally, AI adoption hit 78% of organizations in at least one function.[5] Indians favor integrated, mobile-first tools beyond ChatGPT for practical needs like information seeking (24% of conversations) and guidance (29%).[1]

1. Google Gemini: The Everyday Search Companion

Gemini secures second place among standalone AI mobile apps with 70 million monthly users globally, popular in India for its seamless Android integration.[1] Indians use it daily for quick queries, translations, and productivity, leveraging Google’s ecosystem amid 92% business adoption.[2] Trust levels stand at 16.3% among marketers, but daily mobile reliance grows.[2]

2. Microsoft Copilot: Workplace Powerhouse

Copilot ranks third in AI referrals (5.17%) and is a staple in India’s IT sector, where 50% lead AI adoption.[1][2] Featured in 2026 guides for reshaping work, it’s used by gig workers for coding and analytics—over 40% of the workforce.[6][8] EY notes 91% of leaders prioritize fast deployment.[4]

3. Perplexity: The Trusted Search Alternative

Perplexity holds 8.12% of AI referrals, second only to top LLMs, and 15.5% trust among Indian content creators.[1][2] Indians favor it for accurate, cited info-seeking, aligning with 24% of AI convos focused on information.[1] Its rise mirrors India’s shift to scaled GenAI.[3]

4. Claude: Ethical Coding and Writing Aid

Claude garners 27.5% trust from marketers, used daily for writing (24% of AI usage) and code—95% of Y Combinator startups’ codebases are AI-generated.[1][2] In India’s vibrant startup scene, it’s key for ethical AI in professional services (34% adoption).[2]

5. Deepseek: Cost-Effective Developer Favorite

Deepseek appeals to India’s budget-conscious devs as a ChatGPT alternative among 20% of users.[1] With 93% of business leaders adopting AI agents, it’s integrated into IT workflows (50% adoption).[2]

6. Quark AI: Mobile-First for the Masses

Alibaba’s Quark boasts 150 million worldwide MAUs, with significant Indian traction via mobile.[1] Indians use it for practical guidance, fitting 29% of daily AI interactions.[1]

7. OpenAI Academy Tools: Education Transformers

OpenAI Academy equips 1 million teachers and 50 startups with APIs, driving daily edtech use beyond core ChatGPT.[2] This boosts GenAI in education amid 47% multi-use cases.[3]

8. AI Agents in Finance: Custom Scaling

Finance sees 32% adoption; agentic AI scales in 10% of firms per EY.[2][4] Tools like custom Copilot variants handle analytics daily for gig economy pros.[6]

9. Healthcare AI Chatbots: Patient Management

AI chatbots manage inquiries in 42% of networks globally, with India’s healthcare booming at 36.8% CAGR.[5] Gemini and Copilot variants aid diagnostics daily.[5]

10. Ecommerce AI: Shopify and Beyond

AI drives ecommerce trends, with 2.1% of convos on products (50 million daily globally).[1] Indians use Copilot and Gemini for shopping analytics in high-adoption retail.[7]

Real-World Impact and Trends

India’s 92% workplace GenAI use outpaces globals, with IT/gig sectors at 40%+ tool integration.[2][6] These tools power 77% of convos: guidance, info, writing.[1] Private investments hit US$33.9B in 2024, signaling momentum.[2]

In conclusion, these 10 tools highlight India’s practical AI shift in 2026, enhancing productivity from mobiles to enterprises. As adoption scales, staying updated ensures users harness this tech edge.