Overview

Paathshala is a free, local-first study library that lives on your computer and is filled by the AI tool you already use. The app itself makes no AI calls and needs no API key.

How it fits together

• An AI tool (Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Cursor, Windsurf…) talks to Paathshala through MCP, the Model Context Protocol.
• The MCP server and the web app both read and write one SQLite file, so changes appear live.
• You use the app in your browser to read, practise, review and ask questions.

What lives in your library

• Courses with Subjects, Chapters and Lessons
• Lessons in Markdown with KaTeX maths
• Quizzes: MCQ, flashcards and written answers
• Review: spaced repetition for questions you missed
• Q&A threads and an Inbox of work waiting for your AI
• 3D models described in safe JSON

Quick start: let your AI set it up

The fastest way in needs no terminal. Copy the prompt below into your AI tool and it installs Paathshala and connects itself.

Please set up Paathshala for me. It is a free study app that runs on my computer (the npm package "paathshala"), and you will fill it with courses, lessons and quizzes over MCP.

1. Check that Node.js 20 or newer is installed (node -v). If it is missing or older, install it, or tell me exactly how.
2. Connect yourself to the Paathshala MCP server: command "npx", arguments ["-y", "-p", "paathshala", "paathshala-mcp"].
   - Claude Code: claude mcp add --scope user paathshala -- npx -y -p paathshala paathshala-mcp
   - Other tools: add it to your MCP settings or MCP config file.
3. Start the app in the background with: npx -y paathshala --open
   Then check that http://localhost:3000 opens.
4. If you need a restart to load the new MCP server, tell me. Once connected, call get_overview to confirm it works and suggest a first course for me.

If you cannot run commands on my computer, walk me through these steps one at a time instead.

Next

Prefer doing it yourself? Install Paathshala, then connect your AI tool and make your first course.