Top AI Tools Every Student Should Be Using to Stay Ahead of the Curve

Let’s face it—student life today is nothing short of a circus act. Between chasing deadlines, decoding cryptic lecture slides, surviving group projects, and trying to land that golden job offer, it can feel like you’re juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle through a maze. (Blindfolded, of course.)

Enter Artificial Intelligence. Once confined to sci-fi and Silicon Valley, AI has marched confidently into lecture halls, libraries, and even late-night revision sessions. Today, it’s more than just a buzzword—it’s your on-call tutor, career coach, project partner, and personal editor. From automating routine tasks to giving you the edge in the job market, AI tools are turning students into super-grads—well, almost.

In this article, we’ll break down the best AI tools by category—studying, researching, CV building, interview prep, and communication. Plus, we’ll explore how ASBM University is preparing students not just to survive but thrive in this AI-powered world.

1. Studying Smarter

We get it—studying is hard, attention spans are short, and the temptation to scroll endlessly is real. But studying smart beats studying hard any day, and that’s exactly what AI tools can help you do. In 2025, AI is making it easier to grasp complex concepts, retain more information, and breeze through assignments that used to take hours.

According to a 2024 report by HolonIQ, global spending on AI in education is projected to reach $20 billion by 2027, up from just $2 billion in 2020.¹ That growth is being fuelled by tools that help personalise learning experiences, automate feedback, and save students countless hours.

Tools to Try:

• ChatGPT: Your 24/7 academic sidekick. Whether it’s explaining quantum theory, generating essay drafts, or debugging code, ChatGPT adapts to your needs like the smartest flatmate you never had.
• Quizlet AI: Smart flashcards that learn with you. It targets your weak spots and sharpens your revision sessions.
• Wolfram Alpha: For maths and science beyond calculators. Solve complex problems, plot graphs, and explore scientific concepts with ease.
• Grammarly: Banish last-minute grammar panics with spelling checks, phrasing suggestions, and tone analysis.
• Notion AI: The ultimate organiser. From notes to project plans, Notion structures your chaos with AI-powered summaries and to-do lists.

Tools like ChatGPT and Notion AI are multifunctional and will pop up in other sections too—because they’re just that good.

2. Research & Content Creation

Let’s be honest—research can sometimes feel like falling into a digital black hole where one search turns into seven open tabs, three YouTube videos, and a completely unrelated Wikipedia article about penguin migration. But AI tools are changing that game, helping students cut through the noise and get straight to the good stuff: credible sources, summarised content, and focused insights.

A 2023 McKinsey report noted that generative AI could reduce the time spent on academic research tasks by up to 40%.² That’s more time for learning, understanding, or—let’s be real—sleeping. These AI tools don’t just fetch information; they organise, clarify, and even cite it for you.

Tools to Try:

• Perplexity AI: Think of this as your research librarian on steroids. Perplexity not only finds you peer-reviewed sources and accurate answers, but it also includes citations and summaries—so you’re not copying random blog posts. Ideal for reports, academic papers, or when you’re trying to sound really smart in seminars.
• Consensus: Built for evidence-based research, scans thousands of papers and delivers clear scientific summaries, perfect for evidence-backed arguments.
• Scite: Shows who cited a paper and how—supporting, contradicting, or just referencing it—great for critical literature reviews.
• Elicit: Part of the AI research revolution, automates literature reviews and insight extraction like an efficient research assistant.
• Gemini (Google Workspace): AI-powered brainstorming, summarising, and collaborative content refinement inside Google Docs and Sheets.
• Claude (by Anthropic): Summarises long, complex documents in plain English, perfect for grasping key insights quickly.

Powerhouse tools like Perplexity, Gemini, and ChatGPT will make cameo appearances in other categories too—they’re not one-trick ponies, but all-rounders built for student success.

3. Note-Taking & Class Management

Most students take notes with the optimism of a TED Talk, only to never look at them again. Between fast-talking professors, overwhelming lecture slides, and wandering attention spans, capturing meaningful notes can feel like catching lightning in a bottle. Fortunately, AI tools now help you take smarter, searchable, and more structured notes—even if your handwriting looks like ancient hieroglyphics.

According to a 2023 EDUCAUSE report, 52% of higher education institutions globally are integrating AI note-taking tools into their digital learning environments.⁴ Tools powered by AI can transcribe lectures in real-time, extract highlights, summarise readings, and even suggest revisions—all while syncing across your devices. It’s like having a personal secretary who never misses a beat (or a lecture).

Tools to Try:

• Notion AI: Your second brain for notes, outlines, and topic linking.
• ai: Real-time transcription and speaker tagging—ideal for lectures and group discussions.
• ai: Records and highlights key audio moments, integrated with popular video conferencing platforms.
• Tactiq: Chrome extension providing live captions and summaries for Google Meet, exporting notes easily.
• ChatGPT: Summarise messy notes or transcripts into clean, bullet-pointed topics with ease.

When it comes to organising knowledge, Notion AI, ChatGPT, and Otter.ai are front-row performers. You’ll see them again because they don’t just take notes—they build knowledge ecosystems.

4. Resume Building & Job Applications

Applying for jobs is a bit like online dating—you craft the perfect profile (CV), send it out, and then… radio silence. But in 2025, the game has changed. AI tools are here to make sure your CV actually gets noticed by both automated systems and human recruiters. These tools optimise your resume to beat Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), tailor it to job descriptions, and highlight your best achievements without exaggerating your karaoke skills.

A recent LinkedIn report found that 98% of Fortune 500 companies use ATS software to filter resumes, which means if your CV isn’t optimized, it’s probably getting lost in the digital abyss.⁵ With AI-powered resume builders, students can now create professional, keyword-rich CVs that pass these screenings and impress recruiters faster than you can say “interview, please!”

Tools to Try:

• Rezi: ATS-focused resume builder that generates impactful bullet points and highlights your skills.
• Teal: Keyword analyser that customises your resume and keeps track of applications.
• Zety: Sleek templates with AI content suggestions, plus cover letter help.
• Kickresume: Adds personality and polish to your CV with AI-assisted copywriting.
• ChatGPT: Quickly drafts personalised CV summaries and cover letters in your desired tone.

For CV-building, Rezi and Teal are your go-to tools for getting past ATS robots, while ChatGPT offers flexibility in crafting personalised content. Together, they make sure your CV doesn’t just get seen—it gets shortlisted.

5. Interview Preparation & Mock Simulations

Interviews are stressful — no surprises there. It’s like being on stage with the spotlight on you, but without the script. The good news? AI-powered interview prep tools can help you practice, get feedback, and build confidence—so when the big day comes, you won’t feel like you’re auditioning for a reality show. In fact, by 2028, the global market for AI in recruitment and talent management is expected to hit $4.5 billion, showing just how big AI’s role in hiring has become.

These tools simulate real interviews, analyse your answers, and even coach you on body language and tone. No more sweaty palms or awkward silences—just smooth, confident conversations.

Tools to Try:

• io: Realistic scenario-based interview practice with instant feedback.
• Final Round AI: Industry-specific mock interviews with analytics.
• Skillora: Adaptive questioning to simulate real interview pressure.
• Teal: Tracks progress and offers role-specific questions and reviews.
• ChatGPT: Practice Q&A, brainstorm answers, and draft follow-up emails.

Interview prep is where AI really shines. Combining tools like Career.io, Final Round AI, and ChatGPT gives you a 360° approach to practising your answers, refining your delivery, and mastering your confidence.

6. Communication & Public Speaking

Whether it’s a presentation, a group discussion, or a virtual meeting, speaking clearly and confidently can make all the difference. But let’s be honest, public speaking often feels like trying to perform brain surgery while juggling flaming torches. Fortunately, AI tools can help you polish your speaking skills, track your habits, and boost your confidence — all from the safety of your room. Studies show that 70% of people fear public speaking more than death, but with AI-powered coaching, that fear could become a thing of the past.⁷

From analysing filler words to offering virtual reality practice sessions, these tools are your new best mates for sounding sharp, calm, and convincing.

Tools to Try:

• Yoodli: Yoodli: Tracks filler words, tone, and offers VR presentation practice.
• invue: Analyses verbal and non-verbal cues to refine delivery.
• InCruiter (IncBot): Video interview practice with communication insights.
• ChatGPT: Draft speeches, outlines, and practice answers.
• Gemini: Create polished slides and speaker notes effortlessly.

When it comes to speaking confidently, combining tools like Yoodli, Prep.invue, and ChatGPT gives you a one-two punch of preparation and polish that can transform any mumble into a memorable performance.

7. Bonus Round: For the Data & AI Geeks

If you’re the type who geeks out over datasets, models, and algorithms, then welcome to your happy place. AI and data science are not just trendy buzzwords — they’re the engines driving the future of business, healthcare, climate science, and beyond. According to Gartner, by 2026, 75% of organisations will operationalise AI to improve efficiency and innovation.⁸ For students keen on mastering this domain, the right AI tools are essential for learning, experimenting, and building real-world projects.

From coding help to data analysis, these AI tools will supercharge your learning and prepare you for a high-demand career in AI and analytics.

Tools to Try:

• Wolfram Alpha: Complex problem-solving and data visualisation.
• ChatGPT: Debug code, brainstorm projects, and explain concepts.
• Perplexity AI: Credible, citation-backed research for data projects.
• Google Colab with Gemini AI: Cloud-based notebooks with AI code generation and collaboration.
• Canva: Create professional data visualisations and infographics.

For data enthusiasts, tools like Wolfram Alpha, ChatGPT, and Perplexity AI are invaluable for both learning and practical work, while platforms like Google Colab with Gemini bridge the gap between theory and real-world application.

ASBM University: Where Humans and AI Learn Together

At ASBM University, we’re not just using AI—we’re training the next generation of leaders to work with it. Our MBA in Business Analytics & Artificial Intelligence is designed for students who want to thrive in the AI-powered economy. Think of it as part management degree, part tech bootcamp—with job offers at the end.

• A cutting-edge curriculum covering data analytics, machine learning, AI ethics, and strategic business intelligence.
• Hands-on projects using industry-standard tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity AI.
• Industry exposure via partnerships with AI startups and global tech firms.
• Career modules on AI-enhanced CV building, interview prep, and leadership development.
• An excellent placement record, because we’re preparing students for jobs that exist today—and the ones that will exist tomorrow.

ASBM envisions a future where business education meets technology with purpose. We are committed to shaping future leaders who don’t just use AI—they design its direction. Our approach rivals top techno-management institutions like IIMs, IIIT-Hyderabad, and NMIMS, by integrating AI not just as a subject, but as a mindset.

Final Thoughts

Succeeding as a student today isn’t just about studying harder—it’s about studying smarter. Whether you’re writing a dissertation, perfecting your CV, or preparing for your dream job, these AI tools are here to boost your confidence, cut your workload, and sharpen your skills.

Throughout this guide, you’ve met some incredible AI companions—tools so versatile they sneak into multiple parts of your student journey. ChatGPT, for example, supports everything from essay writing and research to interview preparation. Gemini AI helps you collaborate, create, and code seamlessly across tasks. And Perplexity AI makes complex research quick and reliable.

These multitasking marvels prove that AI isn’t just a one-trick pony—it’s your all-round assistant, study buddy, and career coach rolled into one. Using these tools smartly can save you time, reduce stress, and help you shine in every challenge you face.

Pair these powerful tools with the right education—like ASBM University’s MBA in Business Analytics & Artificial Intelligence—and you won’t just survive the AI revolution. You’ll lead it.

So here’s a question for you: Which of these AI tools have you already tried, and which ones are you excited to explore next? Share your experiences or your funniest AI moments — we’d love to hear how your robot friends are helping you conquer student life!