IIT Kharagpur Unveils Free AI Tutor and Online GATE-JAM Preparation Platform

Key facts

• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur launched an AI-powered learning assistant and a free online preparatory platform for GATE and JAM on October 13, 2026, during its Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
• The initiatives were launched by Union Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar at the IIT Kharagpur Research Park in Rajarhat, Kolkata.
• The NDLI-FERMI AI Tutor, developed in collaboration with Fermi AI and integrated with the National Digital Library of India (NDLI), provides free personalised academic assistance through a guided learning approach using questions, hints, and contextual guidance.
• The AI tutor's 'Scan & Ask' feature helps students with problems in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology.
• The NDLI, sponsored by the Union Ministry of Education, serves more than one crore learners and hosts over 130 million learning resources.
• The free GATE and JAM platform aims to reduce dependence on expensive commercial coaching and improve access for students from rural areas and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Majumdar said the initiatives align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and stressed responsible use of AI that encourages independent thinking rather than instant answers.
• IIT Kharagpur Director Suman Chakraborty said the AI tutor should empower students to think critically and learn independently rather than replace the process of thinking.