# Zero-Shot Fine-Grained Image Classification Using Large Vision-Language Models

Source: [Zero-Shot Fine-Grained Image Classification Using Large Vision-Language Models](<https://www.sota2.com/research/paper/68fa7bde1e209131cea8ae79>)

Collection index: [llms.txt](<https://www.sota2.com/research/llms.txt>)

Data updated: 2025-10-26T05:50:18.755Z

Authors: Md. Atabuzzaman, Andrew Zhang, Chris Thomas

Published: 2025-10-04T18:56:41.000Z

## Abstract

Large Vision-Language Models (LVLMs) have demonstrated impressive performance on vision-language reasoning tasks. However, their potential for zero-shot fine-grained image classification, a challenging task requiring precise differentiation between visually similar categories, remains underexplored. We present a novel method that transforms zero-shot fine-grained image classification into a visual question-answering framework, leveraging LVLMs' comprehensive understanding capabilities rather than relying on direct class name generation. We enhance model performance through a novel attention intervention technique. We also address a key limitation in existing datasets by developing more comprehensive and precise class description benchmarks. We validate the effectiveness of our method through extensive experimentation across multiple fine-grained image classification benchmarks. Our proposed method consistently outperforms the current state-of-the-art (SOTA) approach, demonstrating both the effectiveness of our method and the broader potential of LVLMs for zero-shot fine-grained classification tasks. Code and Datasets: https://github.com/Atabuzzaman/Fine-grained-classification

## Recorded benchmark results

A research result applies to its stated dataset, split, metric and evaluation configuration. Compare like-for-like settings, preserve the metric's unit and direction, and distinguish paper-reported results from independent reproduction. The best result recorded here is not a claim of exhaustive, current global coverage.

## Original sources and implementation

[Original paper](<https://arxiv.org/abs/2510.03903>)

[PDF](<https://arxiv.org/pdf/2510.03903.pdf>)
