IIT Kharagpur launches AI tutor, free GATE-JAM preparatory platform

Kolkata, Oct 13 (INB) The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur has launched an AI-powered learning tutor and a free online preparatory platform for GATE and JAM examinations to improve access to quality education across the country, it said on Tuesday. The two initiatives, NDLI-FERMI AI Tutor and the Free Online Preparatory Platform for Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering – Joint Admission Test for Masters (GATE-JAM), were launched at the IIT Kharagpur Research Park in Kolkata by Union Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar, the institute said in a LinkedIn post. The launch took place as part of IIT Kharagpur’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations and was attended by institute director Prof Suman Chakraborty, academicians, faculty members, teachers and students. The NDLI-FERMI AI Tutor has been developed in collaboration with alumni-led Fermi AI. The free learning tool is designed to encourage students to develop independent thinking and problem-solving skills rather than simply providing answers. The platform operates through the National Digital Library of India (NDLI), an initiative of the Ministry of Education led by IIT Kharagpur. Prof Plaban Kumar Bhowmick is the Principal Investigator of the NDLI initiative, according to the institute. The second initiative, the free online GATE-JAM preparatory platform, aims to help aspirants access examination preparation resources irrespective of their geographical location or financial background. The launch programme featured live demonstrations by former IIT Kharagpur director Prof Partha Pratim Chakrabarti and Associate Dean (Outreach) Prof Haimanti Banerji. Peeyush Ranjan, co-founder of Fermi AI and an IIT Kharagpur alumnus, also addressed the gathering. The event included a panel discussion titled “Every Learner, One Tutor Away”, focusing on the role of technology in expanding access to education. The initiatives reflect IIT Kharagpur’s efforts to use artificial intelligence and digital learning resources to make education more inclusive and accessible, the institute said. Students can explore the AI tutor through the National Digital Library of India’s website, www.ndl.gov.in.