IIT Kharagpur launches free AI tutor and GATE, JAM coaching for 1 crore learners
By TUF News Desk · Published 13 October 2026 · 3 min read
Fact-checked against 2+ independent sources · Editorial policy
Aspirants preparing for GATE and JAM from small towns face a familiar problem: commercial coaching is expensive, and good study material often sits behind a paywall. IIT Kharagpur is trying to take that cost out of the equation. On Monday, the institute rolled out two free digital initiatives: an AI-powered tutor and a full online preparation platform for the GATE and JAM exams, both aimed at students who cannot afford private coaching.
The two initiatives were launched by Union Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar at the IIT Kharagpur Research Park in Rajarhat, Kolkata. The launch was part of the institute’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, according to an official statement.
The AI tutor
The first launch is the NDLI-FERMI AI Tutor, developed in collaboration with Fermi AI and integrated with the National Digital Library of India. It gives registered users personalised academic assistance free of cost.
The tutor works differently from a typical chatbot. It is built around guided learning, which means it leads students to the answer through questions, hints and contextual explanations rather than simply handing the solution over. The idea is that students understand the reasoning behind each step instead of memorising the final answer.
Its Scan & Ask feature lets students scan a problem and ask for help in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology. The tool then helps them identify errors in their own working and develop better problem-solving skills.
The library behind it
The tutor sits inside the NDLI, a Union Ministry of Education-sponsored initiative developed and maintained at IIT Kharagpur. The library currently serves more than one crore registered learners and hosts over 130 million learning resources. Students can reach it through the official NDLI portal, where registered users can use the new tutor.
Free GATE and JAM preparation
The second launch is a free online preparation platform for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) and the Joint Admission Test for Masters (JAM), the national-level entrance exams for postgraduate admissions in engineering and science.
The platform is built on IIT Kharagpur’s academic expertise and digital learning resources. It offers structured preparation material so aspirants are less dependent on expensive commercial coaching. The institute has said it particularly wants to widen access for students from rural areas and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the NDLI-FERMI AI Tutor?
It is a free AI-powered learning assistant built by IIT Kharagpur with Fermi AI and integrated with the National Digital Library of India. It guides students through questions, hints and explanations, and its Scan & Ask feature helps with problems in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology.
How much do the new platforms cost?
Both are free. Registered users of the National Digital Library of India can use the AI tutor at no cost, and the GATE and JAM preparation platform charges nothing for its structured study material.
Who is the GATE and JAM preparation platform meant for?
It is open to all aspirants, but IIT Kharagpur has said it is especially aimed at students from rural areas and economically disadvantaged backgrounds who cannot afford commercial coaching.
Where can students access the AI tutor?
Through the official NDLI platform at ndl.iitkgp.ac.in. Users need to register on the portal to use the tutor.
Frequently asked questions
What is the NDLI-FERMI AI Tutor?
It is a free AI-powered learning assistant built by IIT Kharagpur with Fermi AI and integrated with the National Digital Library of India. It guides students through questions, hints and explanations, and its Scan & Ask feature helps with problems in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology.
How much do the new platforms cost?
Both are free. Registered users of the National Digital Library of India can use the AI tutor at no cost, and the GATE and JAM preparation platform charges nothing for its structured study material.
Who is the GATE and JAM preparation platform meant for?
It is open to all aspirants, but IIT Kharagpur has said it is especially aimed at students from rural areas and economically disadvantaged backgrounds who cannot afford commercial coaching.
Where can students access the AI tutor?
Through the official NDLI platform at ndl.iitkgp.ac.in. Users need to register on the portal to use the tutor.
Sources: DD India, The Hindu BusinessLine, Telegraph India