In a move that has sent shockwaves through India’s $8 billion edtech sector, Google has officially launched free, full-length JEE Main and SAT practice tests directly within its Gemini AI platform. Announced at the India AI Summit 2026 by CEO Sundar Pichai, the feature democratizes high-stakes exam coaching, offering AI-driven feedback that was previously locked behind expensive subscription paywalls. With India already leading the world in daily Gemini usage for learning, this “tutor in your pocket” is forcing a radical “reset” for industry giants like Byju’s, Unacademy, and Physics Wallah.
The “Tutor” in the Cloud: How it Works
The new feature transforms Gemini from a simple chatbot into a sophisticated exam coach. Students can initiate a mock test with a simple prompt: “I want to take a JEE Main mock test.” * Vetted Content: To ensure accuracy, Google has partnered with local experts Physics Wallah and Careers360 to ground the AI in rigorously reviewed Indian curricula.
- Instant Feedback: Upon completion, Gemini provides a score, identifies specific knowledge gaps, and offers step-by-step explanations for every incorrect answer.
- Multilingual Support: Breaking the language barrier, the prep tools are available in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, and Marathi, catering to the 40% of JEE aspirants from non-English backgrounds.
A Crisis for Traditional Edtech?
The “commoditization” of content is the biggest threat facing established players. Industry experts argue that the “floor value” of learning has been reset. When high-quality mock tests and doubt-solving are free, selling access to a content library is no longer a defensible business model.
- Pricing Pressure: With students expecting free AI support, justifying premium pricing (₹30,000–₹1,00,000) for basic test prep has become increasingly difficult.
- The Survival Pivot: Leading edtech firms are now shifting focus from “content delivery” to “outcome management.” This includes human-led mentorship, time-bound accountability, and physical hybrid centers—areas where AI still struggles to compete.
- Strategic Collaboration: Interestingly, players like Physics Wallah are choosing to partner with Google rather than fight it, integrating their content into Gemini to maintain brand relevance in an AI-first era.
The “Science of Learning” Philosophy
Google’s strategy isn’t just about providing answers; it’s about “productive struggle.” Built on the Gemini 2.0 Flash thinking model, the platform uses a “Guided Learning” approach. Instead of giving the final solution immediately, the AI encourages students to think through the steps, fostering deep conceptual understanding rather than rote memorization.
This launch is part of a broader ₹85 crore ($10 million) commitment by Google.org to scale AI-driven education across India, aiming to reach 75 million students by the end of 2027.
Key Highlights:
- Free High-Stakes Prep: Google Gemini now offers free, full-length JEE Main and SAT mock tests with instant feedback and step-by-step solutions.
- Industry Disruption: The move is commoditizing test-prep content, putting immense revenue pressure on traditional edtech companies that rely on paid content libraries.
- Strategic Partnerships: Google is collaborating with Physics Wallah and Careers360 to ensure all AI-generated questions match the latest NTA and College Board patterns.
- Language Inclusivity: The tool supports multiple Indian languages, aiming to bridge the urban-rural divide for millions of engineering and study-abroad aspirants.
