Google has announced a set of AI-powered education tools and student offers for the 2026 academic year, including a 12-month free Google AI Plus plan for eligible college students outside the US.
The initiative, part of Google’s “Back to School 2026” campaign, introduces new learning features across Google Search, Gemini and other products aimed at helping students understand complex concepts, organise their studies and prepare for examinations.
For students in India, the offer could provide access to additional AI-powered learning and research tools. Eligible college students outside the US can access the Google AI Plus plan free for 12 months, with the plan offering higher Gemini usage limits and 400 GB of storage.
The new features could also be useful for students preparing for competitive examinations such as the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) and NEET. Google Search is introducing tools that can generate interactive visuals to explain difficult concepts, create practice quizzes and offer step-by-step learning assistance through Google Lens.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai highlighted the relevance of the new capabilities for Indian students in a post on X.
Pichai asked users to identify the examinations for which Google Search can now assist with test preparation, listing SAT, ACT, AP, ENEM, GRE, JEE, LSAT, MCAT and NEET, before giving “All of the above” as the answer.
The inclusion of JEE and NEET could be particularly relevant for Indian aspirants, who can use the tools for practising questions, revising concepts and structuring their study routines. The new Search features are aimed at supporting learning rather than simply directing students to information.
Google is also introducing a dedicated Student Hub within Gemini, allowing students to organise academic work and access learning-focused tools.
Its study notebooks can use diagnostic quizzes to identify students’ strengths and knowledge gaps before creating bite-sized study plans based on individual learning goals.
Students can also use Gemini Live to discuss Deep Research reports while on the move.
Google said its education tools have been designed with safety considerations and learning science principles in mind, with the aim of supporting personalised learning while keeping teachers in the lead.
The company is also adding teacher-focused features to Google Classroom, allowing educators to tailor students’ AI experiences to their curriculum and monitor progress in real time.
The latest initiatives come as AI tools become increasingly integrated into education and examination preparation. For Indian students, the combination of free Google AI Plus access for eligible college students and new Search and Gemini learning features could offer additional resources for academic research, concept building and competitive-exam preparation.
(ANI)
