One of the newest additions to ChatGPT is a feature called Study Mode. This tool turns the chatbot into a focused study companion, helping learners organise their revision and understand topics in more detail. I think its important to note that Study mode is more for use when preparing for exams rather than doing assignments. One key limitation is that Study mode can’t be used with Projects. In a lot of ways, its like having an artificial study buddy. This is not an anti-cheating mode or anything like that, but rather a tool to help students pass tests.

What is Study Mode?

Study Mode is designed for learning rather than casual conversation. When you open a session, you tell ChatGPT what subject or topic you want to work on. The session then acts like a structured notebook:

  • Organised learning – Your questions and answers are grouped together by topic.
  • Stays on task – The session remains focused instead of drifting into unrelated topics.
  • Clear explanations – Answers are broken down step by step, with examples where useful.
  • Practice support – You can ask for quizzes, summaries and revision sheets at any time.
  • Progress continuity – It remembers what you have covered within that session so you can build on it.

To get the best out of it, give it as much trusted information as you can, for example:

  • The syllabus points
  • The chapter of the text book or book you are studying
  • Any documents your teacher has given for you to study from

Don’t forget that ChatGPT is very good at doing OCR on pictures, so a clearly taken picture might be enough.

How can students use it?

The best results come from setting clear goals and working through topics in a structured way. You can use Study Mode to prepare for exams, fill in gaps in your understanding, or just explore new ideas.

Here is an example of how a student could use Study Mode to revise iGCSE Computer Science (Software topic):

Sample Study Mode Plan – iGCSE Computer Science (Software)

  1. Start the session
    Tell ChatGPT:
    “I want to revise iGCSE Computer Science. The topic is Software. Please help me learn definitions, types of software, examples, and give me exam-style questions.”
  2. Cover the topics step by step
    • What is software?
    • Difference between system software and application software
    • Details of system software: operating systems, utilities, translators
    • Application software: general-purpose, special-purpose, custom software
    • Open-source vs proprietary software (advantages and disadvantages)
  3. Practice and test yourself
    Ask for:
    • 5 short-answer questions (with answers hidden until you try)
    • A summary table of everything covered
    • A short multiple-choice quiz
  4. Finish the session
    End by asking:
    “Please summarise everything we covered into a revision sheet I can review later.”

Why choose Study Mode?

Unlike a normal chat, Study Mode builds a complete, organised learning session. You can go deeper with each question, ask for examples, and get a clear set of notes at the end. Its deigned to help students stay focused when revising at home. As usual, please be aware it makes mistakes so the more trusted materials you can give it, the better.

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