The Shaalaa alternative with structure and a glossary
Shaalaa is a well-known free Indian study site with a large body of textbook solutions, and for looking up a solved exercise it does the job. What it is not is a structured revision product: content is broad but uneven, and monetised through advertising. Edukali Smart Notes is organised board-to-topic, includes a glossary, and bundles past papers into one subject unlock.
What Shaalaa does well
Shaalaa is a free Indian study site offering textbook solutions, question papers and study material.
- Free access to a very large body of textbook solutions and question papers.
- Wide coverage across Indian boards and university syllabi.
- Well known and easy to find for a specific solved exercise.
Why teachers pick Edukali
- Structured five-level tree — board, class, subject, chapter, topic — rather than a search-first experience.
- A glossary alongside the notes, plus past papers in the same unlock.
- International boards covered too: CIE, Edexcel, AQA and IB.
- One platform: the same account runs courses, question papers, online exams, live quizzes, OMR and AI grading — results land in one gradebook.
- India-first pricing in ₹ with a free tier for individual teachers; white-label available for institutions.
Side by side
| Feature | Edukali | Shaalaa |
|---|---|---|
| Free access | Partial | Yes |
| Textbook solutions library | Partial | Yes |
| Structured board to topic tree | Five levels | Partial |
| Glossary included | Yes | Partial |
| International board coverage | Yes | Partial |
| Ad-free experience | Yes | No |
| Price | ₹, per subject | Free with ads |
Comparison reflects typical capabilities of each product category as of August 2026. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.
Frequently asked
Why pay when Shaalaa is free?
For a one-off solved exercise, free is the right answer. Edukali is for structured revision with a glossary and past papers together.
Do you have textbook solutions?
Partially — the free sites have far more solved exercises, and that is a genuine strength.
Is it ad-free?
Yes.
Which boards?
CBSE, ICSE and State boards, plus CIE, Edexcel, AQA and IB.
What is in a subject unlock?
Notes, glossary and past papers for that subject.