Best Free AI Tools for Students in 2026: The Ultimate Guide

Best Free AI Tools for Students in 2026

Introduction

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the way students learn and study. From completing assignments to creating presentations and improving writing skills, AI tools help students save time and increase productivity. In this article, we will explore the best free AI tools for students in 2026.

Why Students Should Use AI Tools

AI tools can help students:

• Save time on daily tasks

• Improve writing and grammar

• Understand difficult topics easily

• Create presentations and projects

• Organize study schedules

• Conduct faster research

1. ChatGPT – Best Overall AI Study Assistant

ChatGPT is one of the most popular AI tools for students. It can answer questions, explain concepts, summarize notes, and assist with assignments.

Key Features

• Instant answers

• Essay assistance

• Note summarization

• Coding support

• Study planning

Best For: Students looking for an all-in-one AI study assistant.

2. Google Gemini – Best for Research

Google Gemini helps students research topics, gather information, and generate ideas for projects.

Key Features

• Research support

• Quick summaries

• Learning assistance

• Google integration

Best For: Research and academic projects.

3. Canva AI – Best for Presentations

Canva AI helps students create professional presentations, posters, and project designs quickly.

Key Features

• Presentation generation

• Poster design

• Ready-made templates

• Graphic design tools

Best For: School and college presentations.

4. Grammarly – Best AI Writing Assistant

Grammarly improves grammar, spelling, and sentence structure, helping students write better assignments.

Key Features

• Grammar correction

• Spell check

• Writing suggestions

• Tone improvement

Best For: Essay and report writing.

5. Perplexity AI – Best AI Search Tool

Perplexity AI provides accurate answers with references, making research easier for students.

Key Features

• Source-based answers

• Fast research

• Reliable information

Best For: Academic research.

6. Notion AI – Best for Note-Taking

Notion AI helps students manage notes, assignments, and study plans in one place.

Key Features

• Smart notes

• Task management

• Study organization

Best For: Productivity and organization.

7. Gamma AI – Best Presentation Generator

Gamma AI converts ideas into professional presentations within minutes.

Key Features

• AI-generated slides

• Modern templates

• Easy editing

Best For: Quick presentations.

8. Quizlet AI – Best for Exam Preparation

Quizlet AI helps students revise lessons using flashcards and quizzes.

Key Features

• Flashcards

• Practice tests

• Interactive learning

Best For: Exam preparation.

9. Microsoft Copilot – Best for Productivity

Microsoft Copilot assists students with documents, presentations, and spreadsheets.

Key Features

• Writing support

• Excel assistance

• PowerPoint creation

Best For: Microsoft Office users.

10. Khanmigo – Best AI Learning Tutor

Khanmigo helps students understand concepts through step-by-step explanations.

Key Features

• Guided learning

• Concept explanations

• Personalized support

Best For: Deep learning and understanding.

How to Choose the Right AI Tool

• For Research: Gemini, Perplexity AI

• For Writing: ChatGPT, Grammarly

• For Presentations: Canva AI, Gamma AI

• For Notes: Notion AI

• For Exam Preparation: Quizlet AI

Final Thoughts

AI tools are becoming essential for students in 2026. Whether you need help with research, writing, presentations, or exam preparation, these free AI tools can improve your learning experience and boost productivity. Start with ChatGPT, Gemini, Canva AI, and Grammarly to make studying smarter and more efficient.

FAQs

Which AI tool is best for students?

ChatGPT is one of the best all-in-one AI tools for students.

Are AI tools free?

Most AI tools offer free versions with useful features for students.

Which AI tool is best for presentations?

Canva AI and Gamma AI are among the best AI tools for creating presentations. Canva AI offers professional templates and design features, while Gamma AI can generate complete presentations from simple text prompts, saving time and effort.

Are AI tools safe for students?

Yes, AI tools are generally safe for students when used responsibly. Students should avoid sharing personal information, verify AI-generated content, and use AI as a learning assistant rather than relying on it for all academic work.

Conclusion

Artificial Intelligence is transforming the way students learn, research, and complete academic tasks. The best free AI tools for students in 2026 can help improve productivity, enhance learning, and save valuable time. Whether you need help with writing, presentations, research, or exam preparation, these AI tools can make studying more efficient and effective.

Start using these free AI tools today and improve your learning experience in 2026.

U.S. Sanctions, Indian Strength: Why India Isn’t Flinching on Russian Oil

*  India’s response to the latest U.S. tariffs has been measured, confident, and surprisingly unified. Just a day after former President Donald Trump imposed a sweeping 50% tariff on Indian goods and threatened secondary sanctions over India’s oil trade with Russia, Indian markets barely flinched. The Sensex ended slightly higher, signaling investor confidence in the country’s long-term economic resilience. From policymakers to private businesses, there is a growing belief in India that these tariffs are a negotiating tactic rather than a serious long-term policy.

* For the first time in years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and opposition leader Rahul Gandhi have found common ground. Gandhi called Trump’s action “economic blackmail,” while Modi reaffirmed that India will never compromise on the interests of its farmers, fishermen, and livestock breeders. This bipartisan unity may actually strengthen India’s hand in the ongoing trade negotiations.

* Economically, while the tariffs sting, they aren’t devastating. According to Morgan Stanley, a full-scale tariff could shave off 60 basis points from India’s GDP—around $23 billion. In contrast, allowing American dairy access, one of the main U.S. demands, could cost India nearly ₹1.8 lakh crore, disproportionately affecting rural farmers. The decision, for India, is less about global pressure and more about domestic protection.

* The impact on specific sectors is real and growing. Electronics, gems and jewelry, pharmaceuticals, and refined petroleum products are all heavily reliant on exports to the U.S. A 50% duty will hit these industries hard, especially labor-heavy sectors like seafood and textiles, where billions in annual business may now be diverted to other countries. The risk extends beyond goods—foreign direct investment could decline due to protectionist signals from Washington.

* Despite these pressures, India’s economic foundation remains strong. Over 60% of the country’s GDP is driven by domestic consumption, giving it a critical buffer. Even the weakening of the Indian rupee might offset export losses in the long run, as a cheaper rupee makes Indian goods more competitive globally.

* India’s broader diplomatic strategy is also evolving. While it firmly rejects U.S. pressure on its Russian oil purchases, New Delhi continues to engage diplomatically—sending National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to Moscow and planning Modi’s first visit to China since 2018. At the same time, India has met several U.S. demands already, from reducing tariffs on specific American products to allowing Tesla’s market entry and rolling back the controversial ‘Google Tax’.

* Yet the game seems to be changing. Trump's focus has shifted from economic deficits to India’s strategic alignment with Russia. The imposed tariffs are now framed as a punishment for India's energy ties, not just trade imbalances. However, with Trump expected to meet both Putin and Zelenskyy soon, India may be right to adopt a wait-and-watch approach instead of rushing into concessions.

* India’s calibrated response—firm but not confrontational—is a sign of growing confidence on the global stage. While challenges from U.S. tariffs are serious, India’s diversified economy, strong domestic demand, and strategic alliances provide a solid foundation to withstand external shocks. For now, New Delhi is holding its line—and Trump may have underestimated that resolve.


By Utkrisht Pandey

📢 SSC Students Protest Over Exam Mismanagement at Jantar Mantar

Thousands of aspirants appeared at Jantar Mantar, Delhi, protesting against the severe mismanagement in the SSC Selection Post Phase 13 exam conducted between July 24 and August 1. Students from across India alleged technical glitches, sudden exam cancellations, biometric failures, and incorrect centre allotments. Many reported reaching centres only to find systems down or being assigned locations hundreds of kilometers away.

The large-scale protest gained national attention, with social media flooded with hashtags demanding fairness and a re-exam. Coaching institutes and teachers also backed the students, calling the situation unacceptable and urging the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) to act swiftly.

In response, SSC Chairman S. Gopalakrishnan clarified that the exam will not be cancelled entirely. However, a re-test will be held for candidates who were genuinely affected. The SSC has asked its new exam vendor, Eduquity Career Technologies, to submit a full report and fix all technical issues. The Chairman also admitted to "teething problems" with the vendor and assured that penalties will be imposed for the lapses.

A retest was already held on August 2 for 16,600 candidates, though only 8,048 attended. SSC has promised improved exam management in upcoming tests scheduled from August 6 to 8, which will involve over 3.5 lakh candidates. Monitoring systems including CCTV, digital logs, and CDAC support are being used to ensure fairness going forward.

This protest marks one of the most significant student-led actions in recent SSC history, raising serious concerns over digital exam infrastructure and accountability.

By Utkrisht Pandey

How To Start Online Saree Business "2025" ?

1. Research and Planning

• Market Research: Understand the demand for sarees in your area. Research the different types of sarees (e.g., silk, cotton, georgette, handloom, designer, etc.) and their target audience.
• Competition Analysis: Look at competitors in your area or online. What products do they offer? What are their pricing strategies? What is unique about their business?
• Identify Niche: Consider specializing in a particular type of saree (traditional, bridal, contemporary, regional, etc.) to differentiate yourself from the competition.

2. Create a Business Plan

• Define Your Goals: Decide on short-term and long-term objectives (e.g., sales targets, number of clients).
• Budget: Estimate your startup costs. This includes purchasing sarees, setting up a store or website, marketing, and operating expenses.
• Pricing Strategy: Determine the price range of sarees you want to offer based on their quality and your target market.
• Marketing Plan: Identify the best channels for promotion—online (social media, e-commerce platforms), offline (local events, fairs, or through word-of-mouth).

3. Set Up the Business

• Business Structure: Choose a business model. You can start as a sole proprietor, partnership, or company, depending on your investment and scalability plans.
• Legal Documentation: Register your business, get the necessary licenses, and take care of taxation (GST, if applicable in your country).
• Store Setup: Decide if you want to open a physical store, operate online, or both. If offline, choose a location with good foot traffic. If online, set up an e-commerce website or sell through established platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, or Etsy.
• Suppliers: Build relationships with saree wholesalers or manufacturers. Ensure you source quality products that suit your target market.
• Inventory Management: Keep track of your stock and ensure that you maintain a balance between fast-selling and high-quality products.

4. Build Your Brand

• Brand Name and Logo: Choose a name that reflects the essence of your business and appeals to your audience. Design a professional logo.
• Online Presence: Create a website or e-commerce store. Optimize it for SEO and make sure it’s user-friendly. Leverage social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest) to showcase your products and engage with customers.
• Content Marketing: Start creating content around sarees—like blogs, how-to guides, fashion tips, or customer stories. You can also share behind-the-scenes footage of how the sarees are made or designed.

5. Set Up Marketing and Sales Channels

• Social Media Marketing: Use platforms like Instagram and Facebook to promote your sarees. Collaborate with influencers or fashion bloggers to expand your reach.
• Email Marketing: Create a mailing list to send newsletters, offers, and updates on new collections.
• Offline Marketing: Participate in exhibitions or fashion shows. Hand out business cards, and flyers, or even sponsor events.
• Promotions and Discounts: Offer attractive discounts, bundle deals, or festive offers to encourage people to buy.

6. Provide Excellent Customer Service

• Customer Support: Be responsive to queries, whether online or in-person. Offer clear details on product specifications, return policies, etc.
• Packaging: Invest in quality, attractive packaging that adds value to the product and makes it appealing as a gift item.
• Feedback: Always ask customers for feedback and improve your offerings based on their suggestions.

7. Scale Your Business

• Expand Your Product Range: As you grow, consider introducing complementary products like blouses, petticoats, saree accessories (jewelry, handbags), etc.
• Increase Market Reach: Expand to new geographic areas, either by opening new stores or targeting international markets.
• B2B Sales: Explore selling to retailers or boutiques who can distribute your sarees on a larger scale.

8. Manage Finances

• Track Expenses and Revenue: Use accounting software to manage finances and understand your cash flow.
• Reinvest Profits: Consider reinvesting profits into expanding inventory, marketing campaigns, or launching new collections.
• Tax Filing: Keep track of taxes and ensure timely filing for smooth operations.

9. Stay Updated with Trends

• Fashion Trends: Keep track of the latest saree trends, color schemes, and fabric innovations to stay ahead of the competition.
• Customer Preferences: Adapt to the evolving tastes and demands of your customers. For instance, more people may prefer eco-friendly sarees or sustainable fabrics in the coming years.

* Conclusion:

Starting a saree business requires a combination of good planning, creative marketing, and excellent customer service. Whether you operate offline or online, focusing on quality, branding, and customer satisfaction will lead to long-term success. With persistence and continuous improvement, your saree business can thrive and grow in a competitive market.

How to start T - shirt bussiness "2025" ? 😎😎

 Starting a T-shirt business can be a great way to enter the fashion industry, especially if you have creative designs and a passion for clothing. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to start a T-shirt business:

1. Conduct Market Research

• Identify Your Target Audience: Understand who your customers will be. Are you targeting teenagers, adults, or niche markets like sports fans, musicians, or pet lovers?
• Study the Competition: Research other T-shirt businesses to understand what designs are popular and how they price their products.
• Trends: Keep an eye on current fashion and design trends to ensure your T-shirts are relevant to the market.

2. Create a Business Plan

• Set Clear Goals: Define your business objectives—whether it's to sell online or in physical stores.
• Budget and Finances: Plan your startup costs (materials, website, advertising), ongoing expenses (shipping, production), and expected profits.
• Pricing Strategy: Decide how much you'll charge for your T-shirts, considering your costs and market demand.

3. Design Your T-shirts

• Create Unique Designs: Your designs should be eye-catching and relevant to your target audience. If you're not a designer, you can hire a graphic designer or use online design tools like Canva, Adobe Illustrator, or Photoshop.
• Use High-Quality Graphics: Ensure your designs are high-resolution and look professional.
• Consider Themes: Think about themes that resonate with people, such as motivational quotes, pop culture, humor, or artistic designs.

4. Source Your Materials

• Fabric Selection: Choose high-quality materials for the T-shirts, such as cotton, polyester, or blends. The fabric should be comfortable and durable.
• Blank T-shirts: Purchase blank T-shirts in bulk from suppliers. Websites like Alibaba, Printful, or local suppliers can provide you with a variety of options.
• Printing Method: Decide how you will print your designs. You can either:
  • Screen Printing: Ideal for bulk printing with fewer colors.
  • Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing: Good for detailed and colorful designs, especially for smaller orders.
  • Heat Pressing: A cost-effective option for small quantities.
  • Print-on-Demand Services: If you don't want to manage inventory, companies like Printful, Teespring, or Redbubble allow you to print T-shirts as orders come in.

5. Set Up Your Online Store

• Build a Website: Create an e-commerce website on platforms like Shopify, WordPress with WooCommerce, or Wix. This will be your primary storefront where customers can browse and purchase your T-shirts.
• Use Marketplaces: You can also list your products on marketplaces like Amazon, Etsy, or eBay to reach a broader audience.
• Social Media Presence: Set up accounts on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and TikTok to showcase your designs and engage with your audience.

6. Branding and Packaging

• Create a Brand Identity: Develop a name, logo, and tagline for your business. Your branding should reflect the style and message of your T-shirts.
• Packaging: Invest in creative and professional packaging. Custom packaging with your logo can add a personal touch and enhance the customer experience.

7. Marketing and Promotion

• Social Media Marketing: Use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to post images of your T-shirts. Share customer reviews, behind-the-scenes content, and special offers.
• Influencer Marketing: Partner with influencers or content creators who have a strong following in your niche to promote your products.
• Email Marketing: Build an email list and send promotions, discounts, and updates to your customers.
• Paid Ads: Run ads on Facebook, Instagram, or Google to target your ideal customers.
• Offer Discounts: Offer seasonal sales, limited-time offers, and bulk purchase discounts to encourage purchases.

8. Focus on Customer Service

• Customer Support: Be responsive to inquiries, and address customer complaints or issues promptly.
• Return and Exchange Policy: Set clear policies for returns and exchanges to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Engage with Your Customers: Encourage feedback, reviews, and social media shares from your customers to build trust and credibility.

9. Track Sales and Analytics

• Monitor Sales: Use analytics tools like Google Analytics or e-commerce platform analytics to track sales, customer behavior, and website traffic.
• Optimize Marketing: Adjust your marketing strategy based on what's working and what isn't. Test different ad campaigns, content, and designs to maximize your sales.

10. Scale and Expand

• Offer More Products: As your business grows, consider expanding your product range to include other types of clothing like hoodies, sweatshirts, or accessories.
• Collaborations and Partnerships: Partner with artists, influencers, or brands to expand your reach.
• Expand to Other Markets: Consider selling in international markets or opening a physical store if feasible.

Conclusion

Starting a T-shirt business requires creativity, planning, and strategic marketing. By focusing on unique designs, high-quality products, and strong customer service, you can build a successful brand. Stay adaptable to market trends and continuously engage with your audience to keep your business growing.

 

The Most In-Demand Web Developer Skills in 2024 ???

In this post, we’ve partnered with DevSkiller to bring you the most in-demand web developer skills for 2024 and beyond. This is based on data from their IT Skills Report.

Unsurprisingly, web development is still a lucrative field in 2024. Companies continue to place great emphasis on hiring quality developers who understand the modern web stack. While the core set of skills for web developers has remained relatively stable, some older technologies are rising in popularity once again.

Whether you’re working as a developer or looking to transition into coding from another field, you’ll want to make sure your skillset is up to date. So what are the most in-demand web development skills for 2024? Here are the key trends and changes you should be aware of:

1. JavaScript is still the most in-demand language
2. Java is regaining popularity
3. Data analysis is an increasingly relevant skill
4. Coding tests are (even more) key to the hiring process
5. Remote work is on the rise
6. AI coding is hard to ignore

Let’s explore each of these trends in more detail now.

1. JavaScript retains its lead as one of the most in-demand languages

Decades after its invention, JavaScript has remained steady in its popularity. This versatile language continues to be highly desired among recruiters and companies alike, and experienced JS developers can expect a great salary.

The DevSkiller IT skills report offers some interesting insights into the situation. Overall, they recognized it as the most popular IT skill tested in the US, ahead of Java and .NET/C#.

After three years at the top, in 2022 JavaScript was a close third in the most popular IT skills that companies are testing candidates for. Rounding out the top 5 were Java, SQL, Python, and PHP.

Despite the fact that other languages have started to catch up—in particular Java—it doesn’t look like JavaScript’s popularity is about to dip anytime soon.

The language is still the default choice for new solutions in many organizations. It also enjoys strong community support, with lots of learning materials and opportunities to polish one’s IT skills. For those primarily concerned with the long-term prospects of their career, JavaScript remains a wise choice.

2. Java is regaining popularity

Java used to be highly popular several years ago, but its position in the charts had lost momentum recently.

2023 reversed that trend, and it’s set to continue. Java is now the second-most popular coding language in December 2023PyPl Index, according to the . Many recruiters and employers are now looking for experienced Java developers. Java is enjoying a lot of popularity in corporate environments in particular.

Previously, some saw Java as a language that mostly retained its relevance due to the need for supporting legacy systems, but new solutions have been arriving on the market recently. The language has received some exciting additions in 2022, with more good things for Java predicted for 2024.

At the same time, we’re seeing some new developments in its ecosystem, like the ability to run Java applications in a standalone format that does not require any standard Java libraries or a Java Virtual Machine. This is already starting to gain popularity in certain circles.

3. Data analysis is becoming a crucial skill

Big data is everywhere; in fact, you’ll struggle to find a sector or organization that isn’t driven by data to some extent.

While some understanding of data analysis was once viewed as a bonus addition to your core IT skills, it’s fast becoming a fundamental requirement in some fields. The increasing prevalence of machine learning has been a major driving force, with algorithms playing a crucial role in how companies build and improve their products and services.

Despite this, it’s important to recognize that data analytics is a career path in its own right. So, as a web developer, you don’t necessarily need to be well-versed in the underlying mathematical concepts; often, it’s enough to be able to use certain data analytics tools and frameworks.

The level of data analytics knowledge required depends on the field you’re working in. But, as data becomes increasingly important in all sectors of business, be prepared for this topic to come up in interviews.

4. Coding tests are becoming even more challenging

Coding tests are fast becoming the go-to screening method for web developer candidates. This sentiment is reflected by coders taking longer to prepare for coding challenges as well as interview questions and taking them more seriously overall.

Recruiters are now including more challenging programming tasks in response to this trend in candidate behavior. As a result, the expectations towards candidates taking coding tests are now higher than ever before.

Step forward Belgium, who may not have won the 2022 World Cup, but did win the highest score at coder tests in the DevSkiller IT Skills Report 2023.

Working under pressure during a coding test is crucial for obtaining a well-paid job, regardless of the language or framework that is being tested.

Companies that were not heavily focused on coding tests in the past have begun to utilize them more actively. Preparing for your technical interview will take much more time than the other rounds.

Performing well in a coding test requires an additional set of skills on top of your technical ones. It’s important to take some time to study the common patterns in these scenarios and know what to expect.

5. Companies are more open to remote work -

Work-from-home arrangements have risen in popularity as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Many companies have come to the realization that remote work could continue on a permanent basis without impacting overall productivity. This flexibility has allowed companies to broaden their talent pool beyond their own country’s borders. The market has been going through a major transformation in this regard, which has affected the presence of certain countries on the global job market hierarchy.

As reported in the DevSkiller report, the UK, Canada, Australia, Indonesia, Denmark, and Chile all saw increases in their international hiring percentage. Candidates who are willing to work remotely should definitely expand their search to include a variety of locations.

Remote workers receiving the same salary as their in-office counterparts was one of their big workplace hiring trends for last year, and shows no sign of slowing—remote and hybrid working tops 2023 workplace trends lists too.

You can learn more about how to forge a successful career as a remote web developer in our guide, and also to take a look at some of the best tech companies in 2024. Spoiler alert! They all have remote work policies.

6. Coding skills are hard to ignore -

Incorporating AI into web development demands a combination of programming expertise and AI comprehension. Developers of all types should excel in AI concepts and libraries in 2024.

Beyond the basics, full-stack developers should delve into AI coding, encompassing machine learning algorithms, natural language processing (NLP), and computer vision concepts. Machine learning extracts insights from data, NLP enables natural language understanding and generation, and computer vision interprets and analyzes visual data.

Mastering AI coding skills opens up new possibilities for full-stack developers, enabling them to create more intelligent and interactive web applications.

And remember, AI won’t take developers’ jobs; it’ll allow you to build even more.

Final words -

2022 was yet another transformative year for the tech industry, as many of the shockwaves from the previous two years bedded in, and a less certain forecast for tech was created by the energy crisis and cost-of-living crisis.

All-in-all, workers and companies are finding themselves a completely difference playing field. It will be interesting to see how these trends extend through 2024, and how the global IT workforce shapes up in years to come.

If you’re considering a career in IT or perhaps a change in your field of expertise, the 2022 DevSkiller IT skills report is stacked with valuable information on the technology industry.

And, if you’ve yet to try your hand at programming, why not give this free coding short course a go? You’ll build your first mobile-responsive website in just 5 tutorials using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

You may also enjoy these articles:

• How to become a web developer: Everything you need to know
• A guide to the best web development certification programs on the market right now
• The 10 best web development tutorials for beginners

What You Should Do Now -

1. Get a hands-on introduction to web development and build your first website from scratch with our free, self-paced web development short course.

2. Take part in one of our FREE live online web development events with industry experts, and check out recent graduate Tanimara’s successful career-change story.

3. Become a qualified web developer in just 5-10 months—complete with a job guarantee.

Some skills that top MNCs demand from web developers include: 

• Web development technologies and frameworks: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, and Node.js
• Technical skills: Java, C/C++, C#, Python, JavaScript, and/or Go
• Coding languages: JavaScript, Python, C++, and HyperText markup language
• Application Programming Interface (API): A link between software that allows multiple applications to contact each other

Other skills that web developers should have include:

• HTML/CSS
• Git
• Backend tech
• JS libraries and frameworks
• Testing and debugging
• Search engine optimization (SEO) skills
• Responsive web designing skills

Apple engineer accused of stealing self-driving car secrets???

 Apple engineer accused of stealing self-driving car secrets-

A former Apple engineer has been charged with stealing the company's self-driving car technology, almost five years after he fled to China.

Prosecutors accuse Weibao Wang, 35, of stealing thousands of files containing proprietary information while secretly working for an unnamed Chinese company.

Six counts of theft or attempted theft of trade secrets are in the indictment.

This is the third time an ex-Apple employee has been accused of stealing autonomous tech secrets for China.

The justice department alleges Mr Wang stole documents containing the source code for the software and hardware behind the self-driving systems.

Mr Wang joined Apple in March 2016 as a member of the team that developed technology for autonomous systems, the justice department said.

He signed a confidentiality agreement about the project, which was at the time known to very few people within the company.

Mr Wang left Apple on 16 April 2018, the indictment said. Unbeknownst to the firm, he had accepted an offer more than four months earlier to work as an engineer at another company developing self-driving cars, said US prosecutors.

That company, unnamed in the indictment, is based in China, said prosecutors.

Law enforcement searched Mr Wang's home in Mountain View, California, in June 2018 while he was there.

He told authorities he had no plans to leave the US. That same day, he bought a one-way ticket from San Francisco to Guangzhou, China, the justice department said.

An analysis of the devices seized from Mr Wang's home showed he had stored large quantities of Apple data on self-driving car technology.

In a press conference, the US Attorney for the Northern District of California, Ismail Ramsey, said Mr Wang remained in China.

If he were ever extradited and convicted, he could face 10 years in prison for each of the six charges.

Two other former Apple employees have previously been charged in similar cases involving the theft of trade secrets.

Xiaolang Zhang pleaded guilty last year in a court in San Jose, California. He was arrested in 2018 as he tried to board a flight to China.

Another ex-Apple employee, Jizhong Chen, faces similar charges.