OpenAI unveiled Study Mode in ChatGPT, a groundbreaking educational feature aimed at guiding learners through step-by-step problem-solving rather than simply providing direct answers. Leah Belsky, Vice President of Education at OpenAI, stated that the feature is designed to “shift the ChatGPT experience from just giving answers to guiding users through the process of finding an answer step-by-step.”
Unlike traditional AI responses, Study Mode promotes critical thinking by integrating Socratic questioning, interactive hints, and reflection prompts. It offers scaffolded responses that help students break down complex topics into digestible segments, enhancing concept clarity and retention.
A standout aspect of Study Mode is its accessibility. It is available in 11 Indian languages and features multimodal support, including voice, image, and text inputs. The mobile-friendly design ensures that learners from both urban and rural regions can benefit equally, removing barriers to quality education. Starting immediately, it is available to all logged-in users under the Free, Plus, Pro, and Team plans, with a rollout to ChatGPT Edu users expected in the coming weeks.
The tool has already undergone extensive beta testing with Indian students, including those preparing for competitive exams like the IIT-JEE. According to Belsky, “Early testing showed strong performance, particularly on IIT-level questions,” confirming its value for both day-to-day academic support and high-stakes exam prep.
To activate Study Mode, users can select “Study and Learn” from the ChatGPT tools and ask their questions. The AI then responds with prompts tailored to the learner’s skill level, based on past interactions and uploaded documents. It even includes knowledge checks through quizzes and open-ended questions, offering personalized feedback to track progress.
Robbie Torney, Senior Director of AI Programs at Common Sense Media, praised the update, noting, “Even in the AI era, the best learning still happens when students are excited about and actively engaging with the lesson material.”
Study Mode can be toggled on and off during a conversation, offering flexibility for users to transition between guidance and direct answers. With this update, OpenAI aims to democratize access to intelligent, personalized tutoring—bringing advanced, high-quality educational support to millions of learners across India and beyond.
