The Government of India announced the first batch of Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) under the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) in 2016. The first list of selected 457 schools was released in September 2016. These schools received the initial grant to set up ATLs. The government completed the setup of 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs by early 2023.
AIM and NITI Aayog are all set to launch ATLs in 50,000 starting in 2025. The dates will be announced soon, and AIM will receive a flood of applications. Before you start the preparation of ATL registration in 2025, ensure you understand the current schools’ performance. The first 10,000 schools faced a few challenges. In this blog, we are going to discuss all Atal Tinkering Lab challenges and their smart solutions.
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70% of ATLs Making a Difference
70% of the schools are doing pretty well in running ATLs successfully. Though the number of activities per day can be increased, it is commendable that these schools are performing well.
A large number of schools are witnessing real impact:
- Students are showing more interest in STEM subjects.
- Project-based learning is replacing rote memorization.
- Creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving have become part of classroom culture.
Many schools have participated in national-level competitions, hackathons, and innovation challenges. Students have already created more than 16 lakh innovation projects, and this is just the beginning.
In an interview with Education Times, Deepali Upadhyay, NITI Aayog, programme lead, Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), mentioned that the organisation is in the process of introducing new initiatives. The next ATLs will have enhanced ATL frameworks.
Atal Tinkering Lab Challenges
While the ATL setup is complete, effective usage still varies. Around 30% of schools face real challenges that stop them from using their labs to the fullest. These include:
Lack of Trained Teachers
Teachers are the heart of any ATL. But in many schools, ATL in-charges are either untrained or juggling multiple responsibilities. Without technical know-how or time, it’s hard for them to guide students or maintain the lab.
ATL Not Linked to Curriculum
ATLs are often treated as “extra work.” Many schools don’t have a structured timetable or activity calendar for ATL usage. The lab runs only when a teacher is free or during events and not as a regular part of learning.
Tools Are There, But Usage Is Low
While the government provides ₹20 lakh in funding (₹10 lakh for setup + ₹10 lakh for operations), schools often don’t track tool usage, maintenance, or inventory. As a result, expensive tools sit unused or get damaged without accountability.
No Regular Monitoring or Reports
Without performance data, it’s hard for schools to measure the ATL’s real impact. This makes it tough to showcase progress, attract CSR partnerships, or apply for continued support from AIM or NITI Aayog.
Solutions For Atal Tinkering Lab Challenges
If you’re a school authority reading this, here’s what you can do right now to transform your ATL from a “showpiece” into a true innovation engine:
Assign a Dedicated ATL In-Charge
Preferably someone from the science or math department with interest in hands-on learning. Make sure they get time and recognition for this role.
Create a Yearly ATL Calendar
Plan regular activities: student projects, workshops, parent demos, and interschool challenges. Treat ATL time like any other academic period: consistent and goal-driven.
Train Your Teachers
Invest in ATL-specific training. Even basic sessions on tools, project design, or design thinking can make a huge difference in how the lab is used.
Track Everything
Use simple dashboards or reports to monitor:
- Student participation
- Tool and consumable usage
- Lab hours per month
- Project outcomes
This data helps in improving internal planning and securing future grants.
Make ATL Part of the School Brand
Invite local media, share student projects online, involve parents, and connect with nearby colleges. Let your ATL become a talking point of your school’s innovation journey.
How Is ATALUP Helping Schools Overcome Atal Tinkering Lab Challenges?
From just 100 activities in six years to an astonishing 3,158 in just 27 days, ATALUP helped a school from Pune in running their ATL successfully. Wonder how?
We understand that most schools want to do more but don’t have the tools, time, or systems to manage it all.
ATLUP is India’s first full-lifecycle ATL Management Platform built to help you run your ATL smoothly, efficiently, and successfully.
With ATLUP, Schools can:
- Apply for ATL funding using a smart dashboard that tracks approvals, documents, and eligibility in one place.
- Transform the setup into a structured process, ensuring every tool, layout, and training is done as per AIM guidelines.
- Automate ATL scheduling, activity planning, and reminders so your lab is never idle.
- Monitor usage, inventory, student attendance, and project progress — all in real time.
- Integrate structured learning paths and project challenges so students know what to build and how.
Generate performance reports for NITI Aayog, CSR donors, and school management with a single click.
In short, ATLUP does not just install your lab. It helps you run it like a top-performing innovation center.
Final Thoughts
India has built the foundation with 10,000 ATL labs. The question now is, how well will we use them? The answer lies in committed school leadership, trained teachers, regular activities, and the right tools to manage everything.
If you’re ready to turn your ATL into a true innovation hub, ATALUP is here to support you every step of the way.