Public internet services for general users in India were first formally launched on which of the following dates?

Introduction / Context:
This question comes from recent Indian history and the evolution of information technology. The launch of public internet services in India marked a major step in the country's digital transformation. Knowing the approximate date when commercial internet access was first made available to the general public is useful for questions related to science, technology and modern Indian developments.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The focus is the start of public internet services, not internal government networks.
• The provider historically was Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited (VSNL).
• Options: 8 August 1994; 15 August 1995; 9 August 1995; 7 August 1996.
• We rely on widely cited dates in Indian IT history and GK books.

Concept / Approach:
While experimental and limited network connections existed earlier, the date remembered in general knowledge questions is when VSNL formally launched commercial internet services for the public. This happened on 15 August 1995, deliberately chosen to coincide with India’s Independence Day. The other dates offered are close but do not match this iconic launch date used in exam-oriented GK material.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that VSNL was the organisation that introduced India’s first public internet services. Step 2: Remember that the launch coincided with Independence Day to symbolically mark a new era of connectivity. Step 3: Identify 15 August 1995 among the options as India’s Independence Day in that year. Step 4: Recognise that the other dates are either from 1994 or 1996, or do not align with the standard historical account. Step 5: Select 15 August 1995 as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Many CSE, banking and SSC GK books include a short fact line such as “Public internet service in India began on 15 August 1995 when VSNL launched its service.” Technology history timelines and articles commemorating Indian internet anniversaries also highlight this date as the formal public launch. While some experimental connectivity and academic networks existed before, they are not what exam questions usually refer to when they say “internet was started in India,” which confirms our choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option a (8 August 1994) predates the widely accepted commercial launch and does not have the same status in popular IT history. Option c (9 August 1995) and option d (7 August 1996) are close in terms of calendar dates but do not match the specific Independence Day launch that is repeatedly quoted in exam sources. They appear designed to confuse candidates who do not remember the exact day and year.

Common Pitfalls:
A common pitfall is to recall only the year (1995) but not the exact date, leading to confusion between 9 August and 15 August. Another mistake is to overthink and choose 1994 or 1996 based on vague memory of “mid-1990s.” To avoid errors, anchor this fact with a simple association: “internet for public – VSNL – launched on Independence Day 15 August 1995,” which is easy to recall during exams.

Final Answer:
Public internet services for general users in India were first launched on 15 August 1995.