SmartPrep is a full-stack MERN-based interview preparation platform that helps users prepare for interviews across any role or domain using AI-generated questions, answers, and on-demand concept explanations.

Users can create interview preparation sessions by specifying a role, experience level, focus topics, and goals. Based on this input, the system generates structured Q&A and allows users to explore deeper explanations through AI-powered “Learn More” insights — all within a clean, focused interface.

The platform is designed to support both technical and non-technical roles, depending entirely on user input, without enforcing any predefined domain constraints.

• Secure user registration and login using JWT-based authentication
• Protected routes for sessions, questions, and AI operations
• Persistent login using token-based auto-authentication

• Create preparation sessions by specifying:
  • Role (any domain)
  • Experience level
  • Topics to focus on
  • Optional session description or goal
• Each session acts as an isolated preparation workspace
• Sessions are stored in MongoDB and can be revisited anytime

• Generate interview questions dynamically based on:
  • User-defined role
  • Experience level
  • Selected topics
  • Session description
• Each question includes a structured AI-generated answer
• AI responses are enforced to follow strict JSON formats for reliability

• Generate deeper explanations for any question using AI
• Focuses on:
  • Core concept understanding
  • Practical clarity
  • Interview-ready explanation style
• Rendered in a side drawer without disrupting the study flow

• Pin or unpin important questions
• Pinned questions automatically appear at the top of the session
• Add notes to individual questions for personal reference

• Generate and append additional AI-generated questions to an existing session
• Newly generated questions are stored and treated the same as original ones

Follow the steps below to run the project locally.

git clone https://github.com/aryandumale04/SmartPrep.git
cd smartprep

cd backend
npm install

Create a .env file inside the backend directory:

PORT=8000
MONGO_URI=your_mongodb_connection_string
JWT_SECRET=your_jwt_secret
OPENROUTER_API_KEY=your_openrouter_api_key

Start the backend server:

npm start

cd ..
cd frontend
cd smartPrep
npm install
npm run dev

Frontend: http://localhost:5173

Backend API: http://localhost:8000

Make sure the backend is running before using the app.