In the age of digital tools, studying doesn’t have to be a solitary or linear journey. I discovered that ChatGPT, when used intentionally, can be more than just a chatbot—it can be a research assistant, writing coach, debate partner, and creative collaborator. This article is a reflection of how I have used ChatGPT to deepen my understanding, create content, and enhance productivity. Whether you’re a student, a civil servant, or a lifelong learner, here’s how you can make the most of it.
10 Ways to Use ChatGPT for Better Studying…
1. Treat It Like a Study Partner, Not Just a Search Engine
Unlike a search engine that throws links at you, ChatGPT allows conversation. You can ask follow-up questions, challenge the answers, and request alternative viewpoints.
✅ Example from my experience:
While studying the Constitution of Nepal, I asked ChatGPT to interpret specific articles, compare them with foreign constitutions, and simulate hypothetical legal scenarios. It helped me compare Nepal’s constitutional practice with that of the USA, India, the UK, Germany, and so on.
This helped me go beyond rote reading. And that increased level of understanding has shaped the ongoing Constitution Study series.
2. Refine Your Writing With Real-Time Feedback
If you write stories, academic posts, or blog articles, ChatGPT can act as an editor. I often begin with a rough draft and then ask it to check tone, grammar, or structure. I can also ask for alternative phrasings or expand ideas.
✅ Example:
For my story Satya, I asked for improvements from ChatGPT. It helped me refine the symbolism and themes, especially when dealing with the narrator’s psychology.
You should be careful, however, not to be overwhelmed by ChatGPT’s suggestions. Sometimes, they don’t fit the tone, and sometimes they are just useless. But the recommendations can certainly help you visualise your concepts better.
3. Simulate Debates and Perspectives
One of ChatGPT’s most powerful features is its ability to represent multiple sides of an argument. This is immensely useful in subjects like political science, international relations, or philosophy.
✅ Tip:
Ask it to argue for and against a particular policy, like federalism in Nepal, whether monarchy or republic is suitable for Nepal, or present constructivist vs. realist views on international diplomacy. Then, synthesize your own viewpoint.
4. Use It for Coding and Technical Support
I’ve used ChatGPT to learn Python programming, debug code, and explore data handling methods. It explains concepts in plain language and offers code snippets on the spot.
✅ Example:
While working on a data analysis in Python, I asked it to refine my codes for cleaner and faster implementation, helping me learn best practices. ChatGPT to
5. Clarify and Localize Concepts
Nepali terms, cultural expressions, and legal nuances often get misunderstood or mistranslated. ChatGPT becomes more helpful when you teach it your context.
✅ Tip:
Correct its mistakes and it learns in-session. I’ve corrected it on Nepali vocabulary several times and clarified governance facts, like Bagmati being the most populous province.
6. Create Custom Learning Plans and Schedules
You can ask ChatGPT to break down complex topics into weekly schedules. I did this when I planned a Constitution Study series and a weekly blog publishing schedule.
✅ Try asking:
“Break down macroeconomics into a 4-week self-study plan with topics, readings, and self-tests.”
7. Get Visual Aids and Infographics
Sometimes, visual explanation helps. I’ve used ChatGPT to generate tables, flowcharts, and even illustrations for my blog posts. It can create diagrams for procurement processes, comparative tables for political systems, or thematic maps for storytelling.
ChatGPT-produced infographics, however, not perfect (as shown in the figure above) and you should be cautious of using them in academic settings.
8. Challenge It—That’s When It Gets Better
Despite its capabilities, ChatGPT still hallucinates. It blurts out fictional and illogical data, sometimes even when you give extensive sources. The best use of ChatGPT comes when you challenge it: point out factual inaccuracies, ask for citations, or request formal academic formatting. This pushes the AI to deliver more rigorous responses.
✅ Tip:
Use follow-up prompts like:
- “Cite a source for this.”
- “Explain this in formal language with references.”
- “Rephrase for professional tone.”
9. Use It to Overcome Mental Blocks
Writing and studying often come with emotional barriers—self-doubt, anger, or burnout. I’ve used ChatGPT to reflect on personal struggles, explore my spiritual experiences, or just break through writer’s block with a creative prompt.
✅ Bonus use:
Ask: “Give me a 5-minute mindfulness practice before writing.” Or: “Help me reframe my frustration into motivation.”
10. Get the Best of ChatGPT by using Projects
If you have a serious, recurring topic, use the Projects on ChatGPT. I have several projects, for example, Constitution Study, Stories, PSC, and so on which have helped me organise my conversations with ChatGPT into your broader system. An advantage of Project is that you can upload up to 20 related files and add custom instructions turning it into your personal mini GPT.
Conclusion
ChatGPT isn’t perfect, and it shouldn’t be your only source of truth. But with critical thinking and intentional use, it can become your best academic collaborator. The key is to guide it with your mind, challenge it with your curiosity, and use it to explore, not just answer.
