New feature aims to enhance student learning without spoon-feeding answers

OpenAI has rolled out its new Study Mode for ChatGPT in India, marking a significant step in using AI to promote deeper student engagement. Launched on July 30, the feature is now available for free to Indian users, and is designed to help learners understand concepts actively instead of simply providing direct answers.

With increasing concerns about AI tools like ChatGPT being misused for quick answers and plagiarism, the Study Mode rollout signals a shift toward responsible AI use in education. According to OpenAI, the feature encourages users to engage with questions by guiding them through explanations, rather than giving out ready-made solutions.

What is ChatGPT’s Study Mode?

Study Mode is a dedicated setting within ChatGPT that supports a guided learning experience. Instead of directly answering homework or exam questions, the mode prompts users to think critically, ask follow-up questions, and understand the reasoning behind concepts.

The feature was first soft-launched in the U.S. in June 2024 and is now expanding into India, a key market for educational AI tools due to its large base of student users and tech-savvy population.

"Study Mode is built for learners. It explains ideas, encourages curiosity, and teaches how to think rather than what to write," said an OpenAI spokesperson in the global product announcement.

How it Works

When a user activates Study Mode, ChatGPT alters its responses to be more Socratic in nature. For example, if a student asks for a math problem to be solved, the tool responds with hints and conceptual guidance instead of a direct numerical answer. Similarly, in literature or science queries, the chatbot might return summaries, interpretations, or key questions to consider—nudging the user toward independent analysis.

The mode supports multiple Indian languages and regional learning contexts, making it inclusive for a diverse set of students. It also integrates voice input and multimodal support on devices that allow audio or visual interaction.

Why India?

India has seen a rapid adoption of generative AI tools in both educational and professional settings. According to data from analytics firms like Precedence Research report, India ranks among the top countries in ChatGPT usage, particularly among high school and college students.

Recognizing this traction, OpenAI appears to be focusing on building trust within the academic community. “The educational market in India is evolving, and tools like ChatGPT can add value—if used responsibly,” said a senior product researcher. “Study Mode is our attempt to align AI assistance with real learning outcomes.”

Multilingual and Free

Study Mode is currently free for all users, and available across platforms where ChatGPT is accessible, including mobile and web. While it requires users to opt-in, OpenAI is expected to promote it heavily through educational content, demos, and integration within schools and edtech platforms.

One standout feature is its multilingual support. The interface currently supports responses in major Indian languages including Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, Telugu, and Marathi, among others. This aligns with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) goals of inclusive and language-agnostic learning environments.

Not Just Homework Help

OpenAI’s positioning of Study Mode is deliberately distancing it from the “homework machine” stereotype. Instead, the company highlights the tool’s capability to teach research skills, spark curiosity, and provide explanations similar to what a tutor or peer might offer.

The Study Mode could be integrated into curricula as a supplemental learning aid. However, educationists also caution that its success will depend on how teachers and parents guide usage.

AI in Classrooms—The Future?

The Study Mode launch underscores the growing footprint of AI in Indian classrooms. While concerns remain around screen time, bias, and misinformation, the ability of AI to personalize learning and support students in low-resource settings is gaining attention.

“This could be a game-changer for Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where students often lack access to quality coaching,” said an education technology expert.

As the new school year approaches, ChatGPT’s Study Mode may be one of the most widely discussed tools among students, parents, and educators alike.