Scientific Role of AI Tools Like Chat GPT on Competitive Exam Aspirants in Visakhapatnam

The application of AI resources such as ChatGPT has immensely transformed vocabulary acquisition and efficiency in learning. The present study focuses on the research question “How do competitive exam aspirants in Visakhapatnam perceive the effectiveness of ChatGPT in vocabulary acquisition and autonomous learning, and how do its AI-driven functionalities align with established language learning theories?" The mixed-methods design engages quantitative data obtained from 101 aspirants from different institutes across Visakhapatnam, a few select ELT hypotheses, video recordings from reputed official guides of GRE and GMAT, and qualitative observations from 20 language trainers for methodological triangulation (Creswell & Plano Clark, 2017). The results indicate the efficacy of ChatGPT in returning immediate explanations, customized examples, and adaptive feedback, consistent with Krashen's Input Hypothesis (1982), which emphasizes the necessity of comprehensible input for language learning. ChatGPT's function as an electronic mentor is consistent with Vygotsky's Sociocultural Theory (1978), as a More Knowledgeable Other (MKO) that scaffolds learning within the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD). Its interactive quality enhances Long's Interaction Hypothesis (1983) by allowing better understanding through simultaneous conversations and negotiated meaning. ChatGPT also mitigates cognitive overload (Sweller, 1988) by making complicated information straightforward and improving learning efficiency. Moreover, it promotes independent learning, in accordance with Constructivist Learning Theory (Piaget, 1952; Bruner, 1966). Nonetheless, limitations such as occasional inaccuracy, the requirement for clear-cut explanations, and a lack of progress-tracking functionality were observed (Jeon, 2021; Shaikh et al., 2023). Suggestions are gamified learning tools and culturally adapted modules. This research adds to maximizing AI-based learning for India's competitive exam aspirants