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Checked 8 September 2026: Microsoft offers Office 365 A1 at no cost to eligible students and educators through qualifying educational institutions. It is not a public coupon code or a guaranteed consumer discount.
What you get with Office 365 A1
The free A1 plan includes web-based Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote. Microsoft also lists PC-only Publisher and Access in the education offering. Availability, administration and exact services can depend on the institution.
Who is eligible?
Students and educators need an eligible education email address and must belong to a qualified educational organization. Microsoft or the institution can re-check eligibility, so do not rely on this offer after leaving the organization.
Important limits to understand
- A1 is primarily web-based; it is not the same as a full desktop-app subscription.
- Institution-managed services, including account access and storage, can stop when eligibility expires.
- If the plan ends, apps may enter reduced-functionality mode and web services connected to the school account may no longer work.
- Never share a school login or use an email address that you are not entitled to use.
How to check eligibility safely
- Open Microsoft’s official India Education page.
- Choose the education sign-up or get-started option.
- Enter only your genuine school or college email address.
- Review the plan shown for your institution before accepting.
- For desktop apps or advanced administration, compare the paid A3/A5 options with your institution.
Our verdict
Office 365 A1 is a useful no-cost productivity option for eligible learners and educators who can work in the browser. It is not a universal “free Office” offer: eligibility and institution access are essential. Check Microsoft directly before depending on the account for important work.
Official source
Microsoft India Education: Office 365 plans and eligibility
Offer reviewed 8 September 2026. Features, eligibility and availability can change; confirm them directly with Microsoft.
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