Conversational Search Engine Perplexity AI has offered free access to its pro version to all students, faculty and staff of Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras).
This will greatly benefit the institute as Perplexity AI is fast emerging as a global leader in the field. Dr. Aravind Srinivas, who graduated with BTech and MTech (Dual Degree) in EE from IIT Madras in 2017, went on to found Perplexity AI in the US. He completed his PhD in the University of California, Berkeley. The Start-up is currently valued at US$ 9 Billion.
Dr. Aravind Srinivas met Shri Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister, at Delhi on 29th December 2024 during which they discussed the potential for AI adoption in India.
Perplexity AI is an innovative AI-powered search engine designed to transform the way users access and interact with information. It combines the functionalities of traditional search engines with advanced conversational AI, allowing users to ask questions and receive clear, concise answers backed by credible sources.
Highlighting the benefits to students from this initiative, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, said, “Perplexity combines real-time internet search with large language models to deliver detailed answers backed by trusted sources. Students around the world use Perplexity to kickstart their research, find high-quality sources in seconds, and study for examinations. With Pro, students unlock the top AI models and unlimited Pro Searches. We are excited to partner with Dr. Aravind and Perplexity to offer this resource to all. The Institute thanks Aravind for this generous gesture.”
Perplexity Pro offers version several enhancements over the free version, aimed at providing a more robust and versatile search experience. This includes access to more powerful AI models, Choice of various AI models for searches and deeper search capabilities, enabling users to conduct more thorough investigations into topics.
Lauding this initiative, Prof B Ravindran, Head, Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI, IIT Madras, said, "Perplexity AI distinguishes itself from traditional search engines through its extensive citations. This makes it a very reliable tool for research and learning. The Institute is proud of the success of its alumni like Aravind Srinivas. We are doubly happy when the Alumni engage with us and give back to the next generation of students. He serves as an inspiration for the current and future generations of students."
Looking forward to working with IIT Madras, Perplexity AI Founder-CEO Dr. Aravind Srinivas, who was a student of Prof B Ravindran, said, “Knowledge is power, and one of its most powerful things is that it is available to anyone who wants to achieve it. AI native search is changing how future generations learn and consume information online, and it is an honor to make Perplexity Pro available to all students at my alma mater. IIT Madras has significantly shaped the person I am today. With this collaboration, I am optimistic about how the future generation will build remarkable AI products and models globally and in India.”
The Key Features of Perplexity include:
- Real-time Information: Perplexity pulls data from the internet instantly when a question is asked, ensuring that responses are current and relevant.
- Conversational Interface: The platform operates similarly to a chatbot, interpreting user queries in natural language and providing answers in a conversational tone. This makes it easy for users to engage in follow-up questions without losing context.
- Source Transparency: Each answer includes citations from reputable sources, allowing users to verify information and explore topics further. This feature enhances the reliability of the information provided.
- Advanced AI Technology: Perplexity utilizes large language models (LLMs) like GPT-4 and Claude 3 to understand user queries and summarize information effectively. This technology enables it to offer detailed insights rather than just a list of links
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