5 key changes OpenAI Study Mode brings to student learning

OpenAI Study Mode is a new learning feature inside ChatGPT. It helps students understand topics in a step-by-step manner, rather than just giving them direct answers. The tool is designed to mimic the guidance of a private tutor, offering explanations, hints, and structured support across subjects.

Users can control how they receive help, for example, by choosing to start with a hint before seeing the full answer. This encourages active thinking rather than passive consumption.

Main features available in Study Mode

Study Mode is not a new app. It's a different way to use ChatGPT, aimed at students and independent learners. Some of its most useful features include:

Step-by-step reasoning

Study Mode breaks down questions into smaller parts. If a student asks a challenging maths or science question, ChatGPT explains the solution one step at a time, checking for understanding along the way.

Control over level of help

Students can choose between seeing full answers or just hints. This gives them a chance to try solving the problem before being shown the solution.

Rephrased and simplified explanations

If the user doesn’t understand an explanation, ChatGPT can restate it in simpler terms or using analogies. This flexibility makes the tool useful across different age groups and comprehension levels.

Memory-based personalisation

If memory is turned on, Study Mode can adapt over time. It remembers the user’s past questions or learning goals and can tailor future sessions accordingly.

Who can use it, and how to access it

Study Mode is available to paid users of ChatGPT — those on the Plus or Pro plans. It appears as an option in the side panel of the app. The feature works on both desktop and mobile devices.

At launch, it is mainly designed for English-language users. More languages and subject-specific formats may be added in the future.

How it differs from other educational tools

Unlike fixed learning platforms like Khan Academy or YouTube channels, Study Mode is interactive. Students can ask follow-up questions, request clarifications, or work through problems at their own pace. It is not curriculum-bound but can be used alongside school or university coursework.

It also avoids giving direct answers to exam-style questions, reducing the risk of misuse.

What OpenAI plans to add next

Study Mode is still in early stages. OpenAI has indicated that it plans to expand the feature with more subject coverage, better integration with student learning goals, and possibly dashboards for parents or teachers.

Early user feedback will guide the development. The focus is on making ChatGPT more useful for education, especially for students who want structured help without relying on pre-set lessons or videos.

Study Mode is a modest but useful shift in how ChatGPT can support student learning. By offering hints, breakdowns, and explanation controls, it encourages users to think, reflect, and learn at their own pace. The feature is now part of OpenAI’s broader effort to support practical, everyday use cases for AI.