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ChatGPT Study Mode: price, features and how it handles homework
Sources checked: official support documentation and independent reviews. See sources.
Quick answer
ChatGPT Study Mode is a free mode in ChatGPT that tutors instead of answering: it asks questions, gives hints and quizzes the student. It is available on all plans, including free. For 13–17 year olds, ChatGPT for Teens lets parents set Study Hours when new chats start in Study Mode automatically.
Visit the official ChatGPT Study Mode site ↗
What is ChatGPT Study Mode?
OpenAI launched Study Mode (labeled "Study and learn" in the Tools menu) in July 2025. It changes how ChatGPT responds: instead of writing out a finished answer, it asks what the student already knows, breaks the topic into steps and checks understanding along the way.
In August 2026 OpenAI rolled out ChatGPT for Teens globally. Teen accounts get Study Mode, homework reminders that suggest Study Mode when a student seems to be just completing an assignment, and Study Hours that a teen or linked parent can set so new chats start in Study Mode by default.
Does ChatGPT Study Mode give students the answers?
No (in Study Mode). In Study Mode, ChatGPT asks guiding questions, gives hints and checks understanding before revealing more. Regular ChatGPT still gives direct answers, and students can switch back at any time unless a parent sets Study Hours on a teen account.
Key features
- Socratic questioning, hints and knowledge checks
- Works with uploaded PDFs, notes or a syllabus
- Quizzes and step-by-step explanations in any subject
- Teen accounts: Study Hours, homework reminders and parental controls
- Available by voice on mobile
ChatGPT Study Mode pricing
Free option: Study Mode is included on the Free plan.
| Plan | Price (US) | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Study Mode, with usage limits on the underlying models |
| Plus | About $20/month | Higher limits and more capable models |
Prices are US list prices checked in October 2026 from the official site, app store listings and recent reviews. They change with promotions, region and billing period. Confirm on ChatGPT Study Mode's site before you pay.
Age requirements and safety
ChatGPT is for users 13 and older. Accounts identified as under 18 automatically get ChatGPT for Teens, which adds protections and optional parental controls.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free on every plan
- Covers every subject and grade level from middle school up
- Study Hours give parents of teens a real lever
Cons
- Outside Study Hours, a student can switch back to normal ChatGPT and get answers
- Not for children under 13
- Can still be confidently wrong; facts need checking
How to use ChatGPT Study Mode so your child actually learns
- For teens, link a parent account and set Study Hours for homework time.
- Tell your child to start every homework chat with what they have tried so far.
- Ask them to explain the solution back in their own words at the end.
Our verdict
The best free option for teens, especially now that parents can set Study Hours. Pair it with a family rule about when regular ChatGPT is off-limits.
ChatGPT Study Mode FAQ
Is ChatGPT Study Mode free?
Yes. Study Mode is available to logged-in users on the Free plan as well as paid plans.
Can my child just turn Study Mode off?
Yes, students can switch back to regular ChatGPT. On teen accounts, a linked parent can set Study Hours so new chats during homework time start in Study Mode by default.
What age can use ChatGPT?
ChatGPT is for users 13 and older. Users identified as under 18 automatically get ChatGPT for Teens with extra safeguards.
Related guides
- ChatGPT Study Mode vs Khanmigo
- Is ChatGPT good for homework?
- Can parents monitor how their kids use AI for homework?
- AI homework helpers that don't give the answers
- The best AI homework helpers for middle school
Alternatives to ChatGPT Study Mode
Gemini Guided Learning
Google's free step-by-step learning mode with diagrams, images and videos built in.
Claude Learning Mode
A Socratic response style in Claude that asks how you would approach a problem before helping.
Khanmigo
Khan Academy's AI tutor, built from the ground up not to hand over answers.
Compare all 19 AI homework tools →
Sources
We checked these sources in October 2026. How we research and update pages is described in our editorial policy.