OpenAI Introduces ChatGPT Study Mode for Improved AI Driven Learning
Published Date: 01 Aug 2025
In a significant move to enhance the learning experience, OpenAI has launched a 'study mode' in ChatGPT, designed to guide users through a step-by-step process of finding answers rather than just providing quick solutions. This innovative feature is poised to revolutionize the way we learn, making high-quality education more accessible and engaging for diverse learners.
The study mode is available in 11 Indian languages and offers multimodal support, combining voice, image, and text to cater to different learning styles. This feature is now accessible to logged-in users across various plans, including Free, Plus, Pro, and Team, with plans to roll out on ChatGPT Edu in the coming weeks.
According to Leah Belsky, vice president of education at OpenAI, the study mode has undergone extensive beta testing with Indian students, yielding promising results, particularly with IIT-level questions. The mode is not only free but also mobile-friendly, ensuring that students from all over the country can benefit from it, regardless of their location or background.
The study mode is particularly useful for homework, test preparation, and learning new topics. To activate this feature, users simply need to select 'Study and learn' from the tools in ChatGPT and ask a question. Instead of providing direct answers, the study mode encourages critical thinking and active engagement with the learning material.
OpenAI has collaborated with teachers, scientists, and pedagogy experts to develop custom system instructions that power the study mode. These instructions are designed to promote deeper learning and reflect the core behaviors that support effective learning outcomes. The company plans to continue improving the study mode based on user feedback and learning patterns.
The study mode comes with interactive prompts that combine Socratic questioning, hints, and self-reflection prompts to foster active learning. It also offers scaffolded responses that organize information into easy-to-follow sections, highlighting key connections between topics. Additionally, the mode provides lessons tailored to the user's level, assessments to evaluate skill levels and memory, and knowledge checks in the form of quizzes and open-ended questions with personalized feedback.
One of the significant advantages of the study mode is its flexibility, allowing students to toggle it on and off during a conversation. This feature ensures that learners can seamlessly switch between studying and regular chat mode, making it an integral part of their learning journey. Moreover, the study mode is designed to prevent misuse, with robust safety measures in place to prevent the generation of harmful content.
OpenAI views the study mode as a democratizing force in education, providing high-quality tutoring and learning support to millions of learners across India. The company aims to continue advancing this product, incorporating more multimodal features like image-generated responses and videos to personalize the learning experience. By doing so, OpenAI hopes to bridge the gap in access to quality education and make learning more engaging and effective.
The introduction of the study mode is part of OpenAI's broader efforts to improve learning outcomes through AI. The company is conducting long-term research on the impact of AI on learning, particularly in K-12 education, through its NextGenAI initiative and collaboration with academic institutions. These findings will help shape the development of future AI tools, ensuring they better support students and educators worldwide.
In conclusion, OpenAI's study mode in ChatGPT marks a significant step forward in AI-driven learning, offering a more engaging, interactive, and effective way to learn. With its multimodal support, flexibility, and focus on critical thinking, this feature has the potential to democratize access to high-quality education, making it more accessible and enjoyable for learners of all backgrounds.