How-to·July 30, 2025, 02:00

ChatGPT gets a study mode that asks questions instead of giving the answer

AI-generated from the sources listed, with automated source checks.

OpenAI has launched Study Mode in ChatGPT, which guides students through assignments with questions and hints. Users can turn the mode off themselves, however, and there are no parental or administrator controls.

On July 29, 2025, OpenAI launched a so-called study mode (Study Mode) in ChatGPT. It is meant to help students work through assignments step by step instead of simply handing them the finished answer.

Questions instead of answers

In study mode, ChatGPT uses Socratic questions, hints and reflection prompts. In other words, the program asks questions so that students think their way to the solution themselves. ChatGPT also tests understanding and can decline to give a direct answer.

According to Campus Technology, the feature also breaks material into manageable sections, adjusts the difficulty based on how the student is doing, and includes knowledge quizzes. The feature was developed together with teachers, researchers and education experts.

According to Campus Technology, OpenAI describes the mode as designed to be engaging and interactive and to help students learn something, not just get something done.

Can be turned off

Study mode is available in ChatGPT Free, Plus, Pro and Team. Access for ChatGPT Edu, which is aimed at educational institutions, is expected within a few weeks of the launch.

An important limitation is that the mode can be switched on and off in the middle of a conversation. Students can easily switch to regular ChatGPT to get direct answers. According to TechCrunch, OpenAI is not introducing any locking or administrator control that keeps students in the mode.

Leah Belsky, OpenAI's head of education, has suggested, according to TechCrunch, that parental or administrator controls may be explored later. None exist at present.

Plans for the future

OpenAI plans to improve the feature based on user feedback. Possible additions include better visualizations, goal-setting tools, progress tracking across conversations and more personalization.

The feature is similar to Anthropic's Learning Mode, which was launched in April 2025.

The sources do not make clear whether study mode actually improves learning in practice. Claims about how ChatGPT can improve or hinder learning come from OpenAI itself.