IIT Kharagpur launches AI tutor, free GATE and JAM preparation platform

IIT Kharagpur has launched a free AI tutor with a 'Scan & Ask' feature and an online GATE-JAM preparation platform to improve access to personalised learning and competitive exam resources for students across India.IIT Kharagpur launches AI tutor, free online GATE and JAM coaching platform (Image Courtesy: Getty Images)IIT Kharagpur on Monday launched an AI-powered learning assistant and a free online preparatory platform for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) and the Joint Admission Test for Masters (JAM), aiming to make quality education and competitive exam preparation more accessible to students across India.The two initiatives were launched by Union Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar at the IIT Kharagpur Research Park in Rajarhat, Kolkata, as part of the institute's Platinum Jubilee celebrations, according to an official statement.AI TUTOR TO OFFER PERSONALISED LEARNING SUPPORTThe NDLI-FERMI AI Tutor, developed in collaboration with Fermi AI, has been integrated with the National Digital Library of India (NDLI) to provide free, personalised academic assistance to registered users.Unlike conventional AI tools that primarily provide direct answers, the tutor follows a guided learning approach. It encourages students to understand concepts and solve problems independently through questions, hints, and contextual guidance. Its 'Scan & Ask' feature allows students to seek assistance with problems in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. The feature is designed to help learners identify errors, strengthen conceptual understanding, and develop problem-solving skills, the statement said.Sponsored by the Union Ministry of Education, the NDLI currently serves more than one crore learners and hosts over 130 million learning resources, according to the release.FREE ONLINE PLATFORM FOR GATE, JAM ASPIRANTS The second initiative is a free online preparatory platform for GATE and JAM aspirants. It aims to reduce students' dependence on expensive commercial coaching and expand access to higher education opportunities.The platform will leverage IIT Kharagpur's academic expertise and digital learning resources to provide structured preparation for competitive examinations. It is particularly aimed at improving access for students from rural areas and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.By making preparation resources available online, the initiative seeks to help aspirants access academic support irrespective of their geographical location or financial circumstances.MINISTER STRESSES RESPONSIBLE USE OF AI IN EDUCATIONAddressing the programme, Sukanta Majumdar emphasised the importance of using artificial intelligence responsibly in education. He said technology should encourage independent thinking rather than simply provide instant answers.Majumdar said the initiatives were aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and would help extend personalised academic support to students regardless of their geographical location or socio-economic circumstances.IIT Kharagpur Director Suman Chakraborty said the institute's responsibility extended beyond its campus and that access to educational resources should not limit academic excellence.He emphasised that the AI tutor should empower students to think critically and learn independently rather than replace the process of thinking.Chakraborty added that the two initiatives aimed to translate the institute's academic strengths into wider public benefit by making learning resources and competitive examination preparation more accessible.(With PTI inputs)- Ends