ChatGPT is second most-used tool for learning new skills for students at IIT Bombay
Among 269 respondents for a question on important factors to consider when choosing career - 29.4 percent ranked work-life balance highest

ChatGPT, the popular generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbot, has emerged as the second most-used tool for learning new skills among students at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay—after online platforms like Coursera. This was revealed as Insight – the institute’s official student media body, released its Senior Survey 2025 report on Friday. The findings are based on responses from 282 students.
Of the 272 students who answered the question, “How did you generally study/learn new skills in the institute?”, 118 cited online platforms, while 65 mentioned ChatGPT. Only 9 students said they used library books—the traditional method of learning new things in university settings.
Despite AI tools becoming prevalent in university settings, ChatGPT remains underutilized in certain areas. Out of 138 respondents to the question on – in which situations have you not used ChatGPT ever – 89 said that they have not used it for resume-making. Whereas only 46 said that they have not used it for assignments and projects.
As respondents of the Senior Survey are soon to enter the workforce, it is important to note that ‘work-life balance’ and ‘a career aligned with one’s skill set’ have emerged as top priorities—ranking higher than financial compensation. Factors like location of posting and work culture were deemed less important.
Among 269 respondents for a question on important factors to consider when choosing career – 29.4 percent ranked work-life balance highest. Separately, over 40 percent of 262 respondents said a career aligned with their skill set was most important.
Contrary to the perception that IIT Bombay students often move away from core engineering, the survey shows that out of the 282 students who responded to the question on their immediate plans after graduation – 67 said they would continue in core engineering, while 66 planned to stay in technology.
When asked about interest in their core branch, 135 of 277 respondents said they were and still are inclined to pursue it. However, 58 said they had lost interest, while 65 admitted they were never inclined in their field of study. Whereas 19 students said that they were not interested in their core branch before but are now keen to pursue.