OpenAI has unveiled a special study mode for students in ChatGPT, designed to help tackle tasks step-by-step rather than simply providing ready-made answers.
As ChatGPT becomes a go-to tool for students, we’re committed to ensuring it fosters deeper understanding and learning.
Introducing study mode in ChatGPT — a learning experience that helps you work through problems step-by-step instead of just getting an answer. pic.twitter.com/B8VbRYJH6r
— OpenAI (@OpenAI) July 29, 2025
“Study Mode in ChatGPT is designed as an interactive experience: it employs the Socratic method and step-by-step prompts to guide the user,” the announcement states.
The tool aims to foster critical thinking — the chatbot asks clarifying questions to check the user’s understanding of the material. In some cases, it refrains from providing a direct answer unless the student engages actively.
The mode is available to Free, Plus, Pro, and Team users, and will be rolled out to Edu users in the coming weeks. It was developed in collaboration with educators and experts, marking “the first step towards enhancing ChatGPT’s educational features.”
Chatbots are increasingly becoming indispensable tools in education, yet studies indicate they may reduce the development of critical thinking skills.
“Education is one of the key areas for the development of artificial intelligence. As part of Stanford University’s NextGenAI and SCALE initiatives, we are conducting long-term research to better understand how AI tools shape the future of learning,” noted OpenAI.
In April, a similar feature called Learning Mode was introduced by Anthropic for its AI, Claude.
The decision to use Study Mode remains with the student — they can always switch back to the regular mode for direct answers.
Back in July, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman stated that personal conversations with ChatGPT are not legally protected. According to him, courts may request all information shared with the chatbot if necessary.