IIT Kharagpur has unveiled two digital learning programmes: an artificial intelligence-based academic assistant and a free online preparation platform for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) and the Joint Admission Test for Masters (JAM). Both initiatives seek to make educational resources and examination guidance more accessible to students from diverse backgrounds.

Union Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar inaugurated the programmes at the IIT Kharagpur Research Park in Rajarhat, Kolkata. The launch was organised as part of the institute's Platinum Jubilee celebrations, according to an official announcement.

AI Tutor Offers Guided Academic Assistance

The NDLI-FERMI AI Tutor has been developed through a collaboration between IIT Kharagpur and Fermi AI. Integrated with the National Digital Library of India (NDLI), the service is designed to provide registered users with free academic guidance suited to their learning requirements.

The system emphasises understanding rather than simply delivering answers. It guides learners through academic questions using hints, explanations and prompts that encourage them to work towards solutions independently. This method is intended to improve conceptual knowledge, reasoning and problem-solving abilities.

How the Scan & Ask Feature Works

The tutor includes a Scan & Ask function that allows students to submit scanned academic questions for help with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology. Learners can use the feature to examine mistakes, clarify challenging topics and develop more effective problem-solving techniques.

The National Digital Library of India, supported by the Union Ministry of Education, provides access to a broad collection of educational materials. The institute's announcement states that the platform serves more than 10 million learners and offers over 130 million learning resources.

Free Online Preparation for GATE and JAM

The second programme focuses on students preparing for GATE and JAM. By providing examination-related learning materials through an online platform, IIT Kharagpur aims to reduce the financial pressure associated with private coaching and expand access to higher education pathways.

The initiative draws on the institute's academic expertise and digital learning resources to support candidates through a more structured preparation process. It is particularly relevant to students who have limited access to established coaching centres or specialised academic guidance.

Students in rural communities and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds are among the intended beneficiaries. Online access can help reduce the impact of geographical distance and financial limitations on examination preparation.

Responsible AI Use in Education

Addressing the launch event, Sukanta Majumdar highlighted the importance of integrating artificial intelligence into education thoughtfully. He emphasised that digital tools should strengthen students' independent reasoning instead of encouraging them to rely entirely on instant automated responses.

The programmes are also aligned with the broader goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which encourages the use of technology to widen educational opportunities and support different learning needs.

IIT Kharagpur's Vision for Wider Educational Access

IIT Kharagpur Director Suman Chakraborty highlighted the institution's responsibility to contribute to education beyond its own campus. He stressed the importance of ensuring that access to learning materials and academic support does not become an obstacle to students achieving their potential.

He also underlined the value of using AI to encourage critical thinking and independent study, while preserving the student's active role in the learning process.

What These Initiatives Could Mean for Students

The AI tutoring service and the GATE-JAM preparation platform represent an effort to extend IIT Kharagpur's educational resources to a broader audience. Combining guided AI assistance with free online examination preparation could help more learners access academic support regardless of where they live or their financial circumstances.

The initiatives ultimately aim to promote more inclusive learning opportunities while helping students strengthen their subject knowledge, analytical skills and confidence in independent problem-solving.