TLDR: A recent survey at IIT Bombay reveals that ChatGPT is the second most popular tool for students learning new skills, trailing only behind online platforms like Coursera. This highlights the increasing integration of AI in academic learning environments.
A new report from Insight, the official student media body of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, indicates a significant shift in how students acquire new skills. The “Senior Survey 2025” found that ChatGPT, the generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbot, has become the second most-used tool for learning among IIT Bombay students, surpassed only by established online learning platforms such as Coursera. The findings are based on responses from 282 students.
Out of 272 students who responded to a question about their methods for studying and learning new skills, 118 cited online platforms, while a substantial 65 students mentioned using ChatGPT. In stark contrast, only 9 students reported using traditional library books for learning new material. This data underscores the growing prevalence of AI tools in university settings.
Despite its widespread adoption for learning, the survey also highlighted areas where ChatGPT remains underutilized. Among 138 respondents asked about situations where they had not used ChatGPT, 89 stated they had not used it for resume-making, while 46 had not used it for assignments and projects.
The survey also touched upon career priorities for the graduating students. “Work-life balance” and “a career aligned with one’s skill set” emerged as top considerations, ranking higher than financial compensation. Of 269 respondents, 29.4 percent prioritized work-life balance, and over 40 percent of 262 respondents considered a career aligned with their skills most important.
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This trend at IIT Bombay aligns with broader developments in AI in education. OpenAI recently launched a “study mode” for ChatGPT, designed as a learning companion to guide students rather than simply providing answers. OpenAI is also partnering with ed-tech startups in India and the US to integrate its APIs into educational tools, aiming to bridge educational gaps, particularly in markets like India. The company tested its study mode on IIT and other competitive exams in India to assess its performance.
