OpenAI has rolled out a new ‘Study Mode’ in ChatGPT—designed to help students work through questions and concepts step by step, rather than just getting instant answers. This interactive learning experience aims to support deeper understanding and engagement across a wide range of subjects.
What Is Study Mode?
Study Mode is an optional feature in ChatGPT that uses guiding questions and adaptive feedback to help students think critically and learn more effectively. It encourages users to learn something, not just complete something, through a mix of questioning techniques and self-reflection prompts.
How Study Mode Works
The feature is powered by custom system instructions developed with input from teachers, scientists, and learning experts. These instructions reflect research-backed principles designed to:
- Promote active participation
- Reduce cognitive overload
- Encourage metacognitive thinking
- Foster curiosity
- Provide useful and supportive feedback
These behaviors are informed by decades of research in learning science and are embedded into how ChatGPT interacts with learners using Study Mode.
Key Features of Study Mode
- Interactive Prompts: Uses Socratic questioning, hints, and reflection to guide users toward answers without giving them away.
- Scaffolded Responses: Breaks down information into structured, easy-to-digest sections with clear connections between ideas.
- Personalized Support: Adapts to the user’s skill level and memory from earlier conversations, tailoring responses accordingly.
- Knowledge Checks: Offers quizzes and open-ended questions with personalized feedback to track understanding and retention.
- Flexible Usage: Users can turn Study Mode on or off during any ChatGPT conversation, depending on their learning goals.
Use Cases and Getting Started
Study Mode is especially useful for:
- Homework help
- Test preparation
- Learning new or complex topics
To use it, select “Study and learn” from the tools in ChatGPT and ask your question.
Limitations and Future Plans
OpenAI describes this release as an initial step in evolving ChatGPT as a true learning companion. Currently, Study Mode is powered by handcrafted system instructions, which allows fast iteration but may occasionally lead to inconsistent responses.
Looking ahead, OpenAI plans to:
- Train these behaviors directly into its models
- Add features like visual explanations, goal setting, and progress tracking
- Enhance personalization based on skill level and learning objectives
OpenAI is also collaborating with experts—including Stanford University’s SCALE Initiative—as part of its NextGenAI program to research how AI impacts learning outcomes in areas like K–12 education.
Availability
From July 29, 2025, logged-in users across Free, Plus, Pro, and Team tiers can access Study Mode. It will be rolled out to ChatGPT Edu users in the coming weeks.