IIT Kharagpur Launches Free GATE-JAM Prep Platform and AI Tutor

IIT Kharagpur has launched a free AI tutor and a free online preparation platform for GATE and JAM aspirants. The two initiatives aim to make competitive exam preparation easier to reach for students across India, especially those from rural areas and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Union Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar launched both initiatives on Monday, October 12, 2026, at the IIT Kharagpur Research Park in Rajarhat, Kolkata, as part of the institute’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, according to an official statement reported by PTI.^[1][3] The platform is intended to reduce students’ dependence on expensive commercial coaching.

What the NDLI-FERMI AI Tutor does

The first initiative, the NDLI-FERMI AI Tutor, was developed by IIT Kharagpur in collaboration with Fermi AI. It has been integrated with the National Digital Library of India (NDLI) and offers personalised academic help to registered users free of cost, the statement said.^[1][2]

Unlike AI tools that mainly supply answers, the tutor follows a guided learning approach. It uses questions, hints and contextual guidance to help students understand concepts and solve problems on their own.^[1]

Unlike AI tools that mainly supply answers, the tutor follows a guided learning approach.

Its “Scan & Ask” feature lets students seek help with problems in physics, chemistry, mathematics and biology. According to the statement, the feature is designed to help learners identify errors, strengthen their understanding of concepts and build problem-solving skills.^[2]

NDLI is an initiative sponsored by the Union Ministry of Education. It currently serves more than one crore learners and hosts over 130 million learning resources, according to the release.^[1]

A free preparation platform for GATE and JAM

The second initiative is a free online preparatory platform for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) and the Joint Admission Test for Masters (JAM). It will draw on IIT Kharagpur’s academic expertise and digital learning resources to offer structured preparation for aspirants, the statement said.^[1][2]

The launch announcement did not list which GATE papers or JAM subjects the platform covers. It also did not give a separate portal link or enrolment instructions, The Indian Express reported.^[4]

Officials stress responsible use of AI

Addressing the programme, Majumdar emphasised the responsible use of artificial intelligence in education. He said technology should encourage independent thinking rather than merely provide instant answers.^[1] He added that the initiatives are aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and would help extend personalised academic support to students irrespective of their location or socio-economic circumstances.^[2]

It will draw on IIT Kharagpur’s academic expertise and digital learning resources to offer structured preparation for aspirants, the statement said.[1][2]

IIT Kharagpur Director Suman Chakraborty said the institute’s responsibility extends beyond its campus and that academic excellence should not be restricted by access to educational resources. He said the AI tutor should empower students to think critically and learn independently rather than replace the process of thinking.^[1]

How students can access it

• AI tutor: Register on the National Digital Library of India. Registered NDLI users can use the NDLI-FERMI AI Tutor through the library’s website free of charge, Careers360 reported.^[3]
• GATE and JAM platform: No separate portal link was announced. Aspirants should check IIT Kharagpur’s official website for access details, registration requirements and available study material.^[4]
• JAM 2027 applicants: IIT Kharagpur is the organising institute for JAM 2027. Applications are open on the official JAM 2027 website until October 19, 2026, and the exam is scheduled for February 14, 2027.^[5]