Khanmigo is an AI-powered teaching assistant and tutor developed by Khan Academy, a non-profit educational organization known worldwide for its quality educational content
Unlike some other AI tools, Khanmigo is specifically designed for education and follows a Socratic teaching method. It asks questions, provides hints, and encourages critical thinking—similar to how a good teacher or tutor would help you understand concepts. This approach is particularly valuable for developing problem-solving skills and deeper understanding of subjects.
Accessing Khanmigo
You’ll see the Khanmigo interface as shown below:
Open your web browser and go to khanmigo.ai or access it through the Khan Academy website at khanacademy.org
To use Khanmigo, you’ll need to create a Khan Academy account:
- Click on “Sign up for free” on the main page
- You can sign up using:
- Google account
- Apple account
- Email address
- If you’re under 13 years old, you’ll need a parent or guardian to create an account for you
Free vs Paid Features
Khanmigo offers both free and paid versions:
| Feature | Free Version | Paid Version |
| Basic tutoring conversations | ✓ | ✓ |
| Homework help | Limited | Unlimited |
| Subject coverage | Limited | All subjects |
| Personalized learning | Basic | Advanced |
| Cost | Free | Subscription-based |
Subject Coverage
Khanmigo can help with a wide range of subjects relevant to Indian curricula:
- Mathematics: Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and more
- Science: Physics, chemistry, biology, and environmental science
- Social Studies: History, geography, civics
- Language Arts: Grammar, writing, reading comprehension
- Computer Programming: Basic coding concepts
Example 1: Mathematics Help (CBSE/ICSE)
Scenario: You’re having trouble with fractions in Class 5 Mathematics.
How to use Khanmigo:
1. Type: “I’m having trouble with adding fractions with different denominators. How do I add 2/3 + 1/4?”
2. Instead of just giving the answer, Khanmigo will: – Ask if you know what a common denominator is – Guide you to find the least common multiple (LCM) of 3 and 4 – Help you convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with the common denominator – Walk you through the addition process step by step
Benefits: – You learn the process, not just the answer – You develop problem-solving skills – You gain confidence in tackling similar problems independently
Example 2: Indian History (NCERT/CBSE)
Scenario: You need help understanding India’s freedom movement for your Class 8 history project.
How to use Khanmigo:
1. Type: “Can you help me understand the key events of India’s freedom movement for my CBSE Class 8 history project?”
2. Khanmigo will: – Ask what you already know about the topic – Help you break down the freedom movement into key periods – Guide you to explore important events like the 1857 Revolt, Swadeshi Movement, and Quit India Movement – Suggest how to structure your project effectively
Benefits: – Develops critical thinking about historical events – Helps you organize information logically – Encourages you to make connections between events
Example 3: Science Experiment (NCERT)
Scenario: You need to design a science experiment on transpiration for your Class 7 Science class.
How to use Khanmigo:
1. Type: “I need to do a science experiment for my class that shows transpiration in plants. How can I do this at home with simple materials?”
2. Khanmigo will: – Ask you what you understand about transpiration – Guide you to design an experiment using household items – Help you think about variables to control – Suggest how to record and analyze your observations
Benefits: – Develops scientific thinking and experimental design skills – Helps you apply theoretical knowledge practically – Encourages methodical approach to science experiments
Example 4: English Grammar (All Indian Boards)
Scenario: You’re confused about when to use ‘has’ and ‘have’ in sentences.
How to use Khanmigo:
1. Type: “I’m confused about when to use ‘has’ and when to use ‘have’ in sentences. Can you help me understand?”
2. Khanmigo will: – Provide examples of both forms – Ask you to identify patterns in the examples – Guide you to discover the rule about singular and plural subjects – Give you practice sentences to apply your understanding
Benefits: – Helps you discover grammar rules through patterns – Provides practice opportunities to reinforce learning – Develops your ability to apply rules in different contexts
Tips and Best Practices
Getting the Best Results
- Share what you already know: Start by telling Khanmigo what you understand about the topic so it can build on your knowledge.
- Good: “I know that photosynthesis involves plants making food, but I’m confused about the chemical process.”
- Not as good: “Explain photosynthesis.”
- Ask for guidance, not answers: Frame your questions to seek understanding rather than solutions.
- Good: “Can you help me understand how to solve this type of equation?”
- Not as good: “What’s the answer to this equation?”
- Engage with the questions: When Khanmigo asks you questions, take time to think and respond. This active participation enhances your learning.
- Be specific about your curriculum: Mention your grade level and board (CBSE/ICSE/State) for more relevant guidance.
- “I’m studying this in CBSE Class 7 Science.”
What to Avoid
- Don’t get frustrated if Khanmigo doesn’t give direct answers: Remember, it’s designed to guide your thinking, not do your homework for you.
- Don’t skip the thinking process: The value of Khanmigo is in the journey to the answer, not just the destination.
- Don’t use Khanmigo during tests or exams: It’s a learning tool, not a cheating tool.
- Don’t share personal information: Keep your conversations focused on academic content.
Ethical Considerations
- Use Khanmigo as a learning partner: It’s designed to help you understand concepts better, not to complete assignments for you.
- Give credit when appropriate: If Khanmigo helps you with a project or assignment, acknowledge its assistance.
- Balance AI help with independent work: Make sure you’re also developing the ability to solve problems without assistance.