New feature encourages critical thinking by asking questions, not just giving answers.
SAN FRANCISCO – July 30, 2025: OpenAI has launched a new feature called Study Mode within ChatGPT, designed to help students deepen their understanding and develop critical thinking skills rather than rely on the chatbot for direct answers.
Now available to users on Free, Plus, Pro, and Team plans, Study Mode engages students by posing follow-up questions and, in many cases, withholding answers unless the user engages meaningfully with the topic.
OpenAI says the feature will roll out to ChatGPT Edu subscribers—typically schools with institution-wide plans—in the coming weeks.
Designed for Learning, Not Just Answers
The move comes amid growing concern over AI’s impact on student development. A recent study showed that students who used ChatGPT to write essays showed lower brain activity than those using Google Search or no tools at all.
“Study Mode is our way of helping students actually learn,” said Leah Belsky, OpenAI’s VP of Education. “We want to shift ChatGPT from being just an answer machine to a tool that enhances critical thinking.”
No Locks or Parental Controls Yet
While the new mode aims to promote active learning, students can still switch back to standard ChatGPT at any time. OpenAI has not yet included any administrative or parental controls to enforce the use of Study Mode, though the company is open to adding such features in the future.
That means the tool relies on student motivation—they have to want to learn for Study Mode to make a difference.
Joining a Growing Trend
OpenAI isn’t alone in this effort. Anthropic’s Claude AI introduced a similar feature, “Learning Mode,” earlier this year to help foster thoughtful educational use.
OpenAI says this is just the beginning of its educational AI roadmap, with more research and features planned to support learning in schools and universities.
Bottom line: Study Mode is a step toward making ChatGPT a better educational ally—but it still depends on how students choose to use it.
