ChatGPT Launches New “Study Mode” to Support Responsible Academic Use

OpenAI has unveiled a new “study mode” for ChatGPT, aiming to encourage responsible academic use of the chatbot at a time when universities worldwide are grappling with the rise of AI-enabled cheating.

The feature, accessible through ChatGPT’s tools menu, guides students through complex topics in a step-by-step format that resembles an unfolding academic lesson. Instead of producing full essays or direct exam answers, study mode prompts users to engage with material by asking questions about their knowledge level and learning goals. For example, when asked about Bayes’ theorem, ChatGPT first checks what level of mathematics the user is comfortable with before walking them through the concept in an interactive way.

Responding to Academic Misuse

The launch comes amid mounting concerns in higher education over AI misuse. A Guardian survey revealed that in the UK alone, universities confirmed nearly 7,000 cases of academic cheating involving AI tools in 2023–2024, equivalent to 5.1 cases per 1,000 students, up sharply from 1.6 the year before. OpenAI says the new mode is designed to prevent misuse while still supporting students’ learning. According to the company, around a quarter of all ChatGPT messages from college-age users already relate to schoolwork, tutoring, or learning. Jayna Devani, international education lead at OpenAI, said study mode is a step toward fostering constructive use of AI in education. “How do we take that step forward in showing that there are responsible ways to engage with ChatGPT – to engage with ChatGPT to actually support a learning process? We definitely don’t believe that these tools should be misused and this is one step toward that,” Devani said.

Designed for Learning, Not Shortcuts

OpenAI emphasized that study mode is not intended to replace the learning process. Instead, it is built to help with homework, exam preparation, and learning new topics by encouraging active engagement. “It’s guiding me towards an answer, rather than just giving it to me first-hand,” Devani explained. The tool can also work with images, allowing students to upload past exam papers or assignments and receive step-by-step help in solving them. However, OpenAI acknowledged that the system is not flawless and may show “inconsistent behaviour and mistakes across conversations.”

A Broader Conversation in Education

While the company hopes the feature will encourage responsible use, Devani stressed that addressing academic integrity will require collaboration across the education sector. Tackling cheating “would require a whole industry conversation” about rethinking assessments and creating clear guidelines for what responsible AI use looks like, she said.

By working with teachers, scientists, and education experts, OpenAI has sought to build a tool that balances innovation with responsibility. Still, the company recognizes that students can bypass study mode if they choose, raising ongoing challenges for universities seeking to uphold academic standards.