IIT Kharagpur launches free AI tutor and GATE-JAM platform

IIT Kharagpur has taken a significant step towards enhancing educational accessibility by launching the NDLI-FERMI AI Tutor and a free online preparatory platform for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) and the Joint Admission Test for Masters (JAM). The initiatives were inaugurated on October 13, 2026, 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. These developments aim to provide students across India with improved access to personalized learning and competitive exam resources.

The NDLI-FERMI AI Tutor, developed in collaboration with Fermi AI, is integrated with the National Digital Library of India (NDLI). This innovative tool is designed to offer free, personalized academic assistance to registered users. Unlike traditional AI tools that provide direct answers, this tutor employs a guided learning approach. It encourages students to engage with the material and develop problem-solving skills by posing questions, giving hints, and providing contextual guidance. The 'Scan & Ask' feature allows learners to seek help for problems in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology, promoting a deeper understanding of concepts and enabling them to identify and correct errors.

Alongside the AI tutor, IIT Kharagpur has also launched a free online platform designed specifically for GATE and JAM aspirants. This platform aims to alleviate students' reliance on expensive commercial coaching services, making high-quality education more accessible, particularly for those from rural areas and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. By leveraging IIT Kharagpur's academic expertise and digital learning resources, the platform provides structured preparation for competitive examinations, ensuring that students can access academic support regardless of their geographical location or financial situation.

During the launch event, Sukanta Majumdar emphasized the importance of responsible AI use in education, highlighting that technology should foster independent thinking rather than merely providing instant answers. He stated that these initiatives align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which seeks to extend personalized academic support to students from various backgrounds. IIT Kharagpur Director Suman Chakraborty echoed this sentiment, asserting that the institute's responsibility extends beyond its campus and that academic excellence should not be limited by access to educational resources.

Looking to the future, the NDLI-FERMI AI Tutor and the online preparatory platform represent a significant advancement in making quality education more accessible to all. By translating the institute's academic strengths into public benefit, these initiatives aim to empower students to think critically and learn independently. As they continue to develop, their impact on educational equity in India could be profound, potentially serving as a model for similar programs worldwide.