IIT Kharagpur Launches AI Tutor, Free GATE-JAM Preparation Platform

General Studies Paper III: Science and Technology, Education

Why in News?

Recently, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur launched the NDLI-FERMI AI tutor and a free GATE-JAM platform, democratizing competitive exam coaching through guided Socratic learning.

Launch of IIT Kharagpur’s Initiatives

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur has introduced two digital education initiatives: the NDLI-FERMI Learning-Enabled AI Tutor and a Free Online Preparatory Platform for GATE–JAM.
IIT Kharagpur launched the two initiatives on 12 October 2026 as part of its Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
The launch took place at IIT Kharagpur’s Research Park in Rajarhat, Kolkata, West Bengal.
Dr Sukanta Majumdar, Union Minister of State for Education, inaugurated the initiatives.

What is NDLI-FERMI Learning-Enabled AI Tutor?

About: The NDLI-FERMI AI Tutor is an advanced, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered academic assistant integrated into India’s national education ecosystem.
- This platform provides personalized academic guidance through a guided problem-solving model.
- It operates strictly on the Socratic method of learning.
- The tool does not provide direct, ready-made answers. It uses adaptive prompts to help students think independently and arrive at solutions.
Developed By: The Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT Kharagpur) developed the platform in collaboration with Fermi AI.
- Fermi AI was co-founded by an IIT Kharagpur alumnus, Shri Peeyush Ranjan.
- The Ministry of Education sponsors the initiative under the National Mission on Education through Information and Communication Technology (NMEICT).
Technology: The platform utilizes customized Generative AI to drive its interactive core.
- It introduces an innovative “Scan & Ask” function that processes uploaded academic questions.
- The system runs contextual analysis to understand the user’s specific problem layout.
- It follows a nudge-and-hint approach, in which it asks questions, explains concepts and helps learners identify mistakes.
- It generates structural hints, detects mistakes, and provides a 24/7 learning companion interface without any judgment.
Capacity: The tutor links directly with the National Digital Library of India (NDLI) portal.
- The network currently serves more than one crore (10 million) registered learners nationwide.
- The library hosts over 130 million learning resources in its repository.
- The system offers its high-tech AI functionalities completely free of cost to all registered users.
Features:
- The platform emphasizes a unique guided discovery layout. It provides detailed step-by-step explanations and real-time error identification.
- The software works across multiple languages and stays compatible with all standard digital access devices.
- The tutor delivers dedicated learning support for Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology.
  - The initiative assists students from rural areas and low-income backgrounds who lack access to paid coaching.
- IIT Kharagpur also pairs this tool with a Free Online Preparatory Platform for GATE-JAM.
  - IIT Kharagpur’s free online preparation platform supports students preparing for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) and the Joint Admission Test for Masters (JAM).
    - GATE is a national-level examination that assesses understanding of undergraduate-level subjects in engineering, technology, science and selected other disciplines. Institutions use GATE scores for postgraduate and doctoral admissions, while some public-sector undertakings use them in recruitment.
    - JAM is an entrance examination for postgraduate programmes in science and related fields at participating institutions. Depending on the programme, qualifying candidates may pursue MSc, joint MSc–PhD and other eligible postgraduate pathways.
  - This auxiliary system provides curated video lectures (NPTEL and SWAYAM), live doubt-clearing sessions by PhD teaching assistants, and deep previous year question analysis.

Significance

The platforms can help reduce the financial barriers associated with expensive coaching.
- Students who cannot afford private tutoring may access free academic guidance and examination-oriented resources.
- This supports the broader objective of providing equitable opportunities in higher education.
The AI tutor encourages students to understand concepts, recognise mistakes and solve problems independently.
- This approach supports critical thinking, analytical ability and problem-solving, rather than exclusive dependence on memorisation.
- Such skills are relevant to higher education, scientific research and professional development.
Integration with NDLI and links to NPTEL and SWAYAM demonstrate how digital platforms can connect learners with academic resources.
- This supports the development of a wider digital public education ecosystem and complements existing online learning initiatives.
Better access to science and engineering education can help students pursue advanced study and skilled employment.
- In the long term, effective digital learning initiatives may contribute to India’s knowledge economy, innovation capacity and the development of a skilled workforce.
The initiative aligns with the core directives of the National Education Policy (NEP 2020).
- The platform implements the policy goal of creating deeply interdisciplinary digital programmes.
- This successful rollout models the national target of technology-driven student empowerment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. What is the AI tutor launched by IIT Kharagpur?

The NDLI-FERMI AI Tutor is an AI-powered learning assistant that uses guided questions, hints and explanations to improve conceptual understanding.

2. How can the AI tutor help students prepare for GATE and JAM?

It helps students clarify concepts, solve difficult problems, identify mistakes and strengthen independent problem-solving skills alongside examination-specific preparation resources.

3. Is the IIT Kharagpur AI tutor available to all students?

Yes, students across India can access it through NDLI, provided they register on the platform and have internet access.

4. Is the AI tutor free to use?

Yes, registered NDLI users can access the AI tutor free of charge, helping reduce dependence on paid tutoring.

5. Which subjects are covered by the AI tutor?

The AI tutor initially supports Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology, helping students understand concepts and solve subject-related questions.

Disclaimer: Information in this article is based on official announcements and public records. Details may evolve over time.