NEW DELHI: The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) has enhanced its educational initiative “SATHEE” (Self-Assessment Test and Help for Entrance Exams) by integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI). The innovation aims to redefine exam preparation in India by offering free, high-quality, multilingual learning materials to millions of students preparing for national-level competitive exams. It has been developed under the guidance of IIT Kanpur’s researchers and educators. The SATHEE portal and mobile application have received national recognition from the Ministry of Education (India). The recognition came during the India AI Impact Summit 2026, where SATHEE was showcased as one of the flagship examples of how artificial intelligence can bring a transformative impact in the education sector.
The SATHEE initiative aligns with the vision of the Digital India Mission and the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020), both of which emphasise digital learning and equitable access to education. The platform’s primary goal is to assist aspirants preparing for exams like JEE, NEET, CUET, CLAT, UPSC, SSC, RRB, IBPS, and other major entrance or recruitment tests.
Unlike traditional online learning platforms that charge hefty subscription fees, SATHEE offers free study materials, mock tests, and interactive practice tools, ensuring that even students from economically weaker sections can access top-quality content. The project’s vision was rooted in IIT Kanpur’s belief that no student should be deprived of opportunities because of financial or linguistic barriers. With the addition of AI, the portal can now personalise the learning experience for each user, analysing performance, identifying weak areas, and recommending targeted resources to help students improve efficiently.
आइआइटी कानपुर ने ‘साथी’/ SATHEE (सेल्फ असेसमेंट टेस्ट एंड हेल्प फार इंट्रेंस एग्जाम) नाम से पोर्टल और एप बनाया है। अब इसे एआई से जोड़ दिया गया है।
“साथी” जेईई, नीट, सीयूईटी, क्लैट आदि कई प्रमुख राष्ट्रीय परीक्षाओं की तैयारी के लिए छात्रों को बहुभाषी अध्ययन सामग्री पूरी तरह… pic.twitter.com/rvjZgQosm3
— Prof. Niranjan Kumar @Univ. of Delhi; ex Prof @USA (@NiranjankIndia) February 19, 2026
The journey of SATHEE began as an idea to create a self-assessment ecosystem that would help students measure their readiness for entrance exams without relying solely on coaching institutes. Developed by IIT Kanpur experts in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the platform evolved into a full-fledged portal and mobile app that combines accessibility, innovation, and inclusivity. At the India AI Impact Summit 2026 held in New Delhi, SATHEE was formally introduced as part of the “Real World Impact of AI in Education” casebook.
Through AI-powered analytics, the upgraded SATHEE app can now:
- Track students’ progress in real time
- Recommend personalised study plans based on performance
- Provide detailed feedback for every test or quiz attempted
- Detect learning gaps and suggest targeted exercises
- These intelligent features are designed to help students prepare strategically and efficiently, using technology as a mentor rather than merely a medium.
Multilingual Education: Breaking the Language Barrier
One of the most transformative aspects of SATHEE is its commitment to multilingual education. The content on SATHEE portal, particularly science-related learning materials, has been translated into 12 major Indian languages. It ensures that students from different linguistic backgrounds can study in their native language. This multilingual translation initiative was a nationwide effort. The evaluation and quality assurance of translated materials were conducted under the chairmanship of a senior academic leader and is supported by a large team of experts spread across the country.
The 12 languages include Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Odia, Punjabi, Assamese, and Urdu, a step that aligns with NEP 2020’s emphasis on promoting Indian languages as mediums of instruction.
During the AI summit, IIT Kanpur’s SATHEE portal was included in the “Real World Impact of AI in Education” compendium, showcasing its success in bridging learning gaps and democratizing access to high-quality educational content. The launch of the new SATHEE mobile app marked a significant moment, symbolising how India’s premier institutions are driving social impact through innovation.
The Ministry of Education has granted official recognition to the SATHEE initiative, acknowledging its contribution toward preparing students for competitive exams and supporting the broader objectives of NEP 2020. IIT Kanpur’s SATHEE is not just a digital platform; it is a national academic mission. It brings together technology, pedagogy, and inclusivity making education truly accessible for all. The initiative also supports school and college educators by providing ready-to-use, high-quality resources that can be integrated into classroom learning.
Currently, SATHEE assists students in preparing for:
- JEE (Joint Entrance Examination)
- NEET (National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test)
- CUET (Common University Entrance Test)
- CLAT (Common Law Admission Test)
- UPSC and SSC examinations
- RRB and IBPS recruitment tests
The portal and app provide study notes, self-assessment tests, previous year papers, video lectures, and multilingual e-content all completely free of cost.
With this initiative, IIT Kanpur has demonstrated that India’s premier institutions are not just centers of research but also engines of social change. By integrating AI and multilingual content, SATHEE directly addresses three major challenges in Indian education:
- Economic disparity – by offering all resources free.
- Language barriers – by enabling regional language learning.
- Lack of personalized guidance – by using AI-driven analytics.
Moreover, the platform supports a data-light design, allowing it to function smoothly even in areas with low internet connectivity, ensuring that students in rural or semi-urban regions can benefit equally.
IIT Kanpur plans to continuously enhance SATHEE’s AI capabilities, including voice-based learning support, real-time doubt-solving features, and predictive analytics for performance forecasting. The institute also aims to collaborate with other educational bodies and state boards to expand the platform’s reach across schools and colleges in India.
The integration of AI into SATHEE marks a turning point in India’s educational reform, showcasing how innovation can merge with inclusion. IIT Kanpur’s initiative not only empowers millions of students preparing for competitive exams but also celebrates the diversity of Indian languages and cultures. By ensuring that learning is free, personalised, and multilingual, SATHEE upholds the vision of a self-reliant, knowledge-driven Bharat, where every student, regardless of background, has access to the tools needed to succeed.
