Students preparing for competitive examinations often face two major challenges: understanding difficult concepts and managing the cost of coaching. In a significant development for learners across India, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur has introduced a free artificial intelligence-powered tutor and an online preparation platform for GATE and JAM aspirants.
The initiatives were launched on October 12, 2026, by Union Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar at IIT Kharagpur's Research Park in Rajarhat, Kolkata. The launch took place as part of the institute's Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
The new initiative aims to make academic assistance more accessible, especially for students who cannot afford expensive coaching programmes. Its AI tutor is designed to guide learners through problems using hints and explanations instead of simply giving them the final answer.
What Is the IIT Kharagpur Free AI Tutor?
The AI tutor, called NDLI-FERMI AI Tutor, has been developed by IIT Kharagpur in collaboration with Fermi AI. It is integrated with the National Digital Library of India (NDLI), an educational resource platform supported by the Union Ministry of Education.
The tool is designed to help registered users understand academic concepts, identify mistakes and develop independent problem-solving skills. Students can ask questions and receive guided assistance to work through challenging topics.
Instead of relying only on ready-made solutions, learners are encouraged to understand the reasoning behind an answer. This approach can be useful for students who need additional practice outside their classrooms.
How Does the Scan and Ask Feature Work?
One of the notable features of the new AI tutor is called Scan and Ask. It allows students to scan a question and seek help from the AI tool.
The tutor supports questions related to four subjects:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Biology
For example, a student struggling with a mathematics problem can use the tool to understand the steps involved. The AI assistant can provide hints and explanations that help the learner identify mistakes and improve their understanding.
However, students should still verify important answers and use the tutor as a learning aid rather than depending on it blindly.
Free Online Preparation Platform for GATE and JAM
Alongside the AI tutor, IIT Kharagpur has introduced a separate free online preparation platform for students preparing for GATE and JAM examinations.
The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is used for admission to postgraduate programmes in engineering and related fields, and it can also be relevant to certain recruitment opportunities. The Joint Admission Test for Masters (JAM) facilitates admission to postgraduate science programmes at participating institutions.
The new preparation initiative aims to make academic resources more accessible to aspirants across different regions of India. It is particularly intended to help students from rural areas and economically disadvantaged backgrounds access learning support.
How Can Students Access the Free AI Tutor?
Students can begin by visiting the official National Digital Library of India website. The following steps provide a starting point:
- Visit the National Digital Library of India website.
- Register for an account or sign in if you already have one.
- Look for the NDLI-FERMI AI Tutor on the platform.
- Open the tool and enter a question or use the Scan and Ask feature if available.
- Review the hints and explanations, then attempt to solve the problem independently.
The AI tutor is available free of charge to registered NDLI users, according to reports on the launch. Students should check the official platform for the latest access instructions and available features.
Why Is This Initiative Important for Students?
Private coaching can be expensive, and students in smaller towns or remote areas may have fewer opportunities to access specialised academic guidance. Free digital learning tools can help reduce some of these barriers by making additional support available online.
The National Digital Library of India reportedly serves more than one crore learners and provides access to over 130 million learning resources. Integrating an AI tutor into this wider learning ecosystem could help students discover new ways to study and practise difficult concepts.
Still, an AI tutor is not a guaranteed substitute for a complete coaching course, an official syllabus or a structured study plan. Students preparing for GATE and JAM should continue to solve previous-year papers, take mock tests and review the official examination requirements.
What Did the Education Minister Say?
During the launch, Sukanta Majumdar emphasised that artificial intelligence should support independent thinking rather than encourage students to depend entirely on instant answers. The initiative is aligned with the broader goal of using technology to improve access to education.
IIT Kharagpur Director Suman Chakraborty also highlighted the importance of extending academic resources beyond the institute's campus so that students from different backgrounds can benefit from them.
Can the Free AI Tutor Help GATE and JAM Aspirants?
The new tool may be useful for students who need extra explanations, want to practise academic questions or are looking for additional study support without paying for every doubt-solving session.
Its practical value will depend on how accurately it explains concepts, how consistently students use it and how well they combine it with their regular preparation. Aspirants should use the platform to strengthen their understanding, not as a shortcut around disciplined study.
Conclusion
IIT Kharagpur's launch of the NDLI-FERMI AI Tutor and free GATE-JAM preparation platform is a notable development in digital education. With guided explanations, a Scan and Ask feature and online learning support, the initiative aims to make academic assistance more accessible to students across India.
For aspirants who cannot afford expensive coaching, the platform could become a useful additional resource. Students can visit the National Digital Library of India website to check access details and explore the available learning tools.
Journalist: Vijay Singh