If your school wants to lead the way in innovation and hands-on learning, applying for the Atal Tinkering Lab grant in 2025 should be your first step. Offered under the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) by NITI Aayog, this grant gives ₹20 lakh to selected schools to set up a dedicated innovation lab. From robotics and AI to 3D printing and IoT, this lab can become the centre-point of practical education in your school.
Our Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, has announced establishment of Atal Tinkering Labs in 50,000 schools starting from 2025. Each school will get ₹20 lakh Atal Tinkering Lab grant. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to help you complete the atl grant application successfully.
What is the Atal Tinkering Lab Grant?
The Atal Tinkering Lab grant supports selected schools with ₹20 lakh over 5 years. This includes ₹10 lakh as one-time funding to set up the lab and ₹10 lakh as operational and maintenance support spread across 5 years (₹2 lakh per year). The funds cover procurement of equipment, training, travel, ATL events, honorarium for the ATL-in-charge, and coordination and management expenses.
Eligible schools include those managed by government bodies, local authorities, or registered trusts and societies. The atal tinkering lab grant application needs to be submitted online, and it must highlight how your school plans to promote innovation and STEM learning through ATL.
Step-by-Step Guide to ATL Grant Application
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Before beginning the process, verify that your school meets the basic eligibility conditions. Your school must be:
- Recognized by a government body or educational authority
- Operational from Class 6 onward, preferably up to Class 10 or 12
- Willing to dedicate a 1,500 sq. ft. room exclusively for ATL setup (1,000 sq.ft. for Himalayan region and island areas)
- Located in India and run by a government, government-aided, or private registered trust/society
Understanding eligibility ensures you don’t waste time preparing a proposal that cannot be accepted. There is a detailed list of atal tinkering lab criteria simplified for all.
Step 2: Collect Required Documents
Documentation plays a crucial role in your application. Collect the following:
- School registration or affiliation certificate
- Photographs of school building, ATL room, and science facilities
- Names and qualifications of the ATL-in-charge and supporting teachers
- Academic achievements, co-curricular records, and details of STEM-related activities
- A letter of support from the school head or management
Make sure all documents are accurate, updated, and ready in digital format.
Step 3: Register on the AIM Portal
Go to the official AIM website and register your school under the ATL grant scheme. Use a working email and mobile number for OTP verification and future communication. Once your account is created, note the login details carefully. This account will allow you to fill the form, upload documents, and track your application progress.
Step 4: Fill the ATL Grant Application Form
This is the most important step. The application form is detailed and structured to understand your school’s vision. Fill in each section with clarity and purpose. We can help you throughout the process to increase your chances of selection. You will be asked to share details about:
- School details like name, address, contact details, UDISE number, etc.
- School’s past performance details
- ATL related information
Focus on real, achievable plans. If you already run any science or robotics clubs, mention them. Use this space to show your commitment, not just your need.
Step 5: Submit and Track
After thoroughly reviewing the form and documents, submit your application. Once submitted, you will get an acknowledgment. Keep checking your dashboard on the AIM portal to monitor the status of your application. Ensure you respond to any additional requirements or clarifications requested by the review team.
How to Improve Your Selection Chances
To stand out in the atl grant application process, your school needs to go beyond basic compliance. First, craft a vision that reflects your genuine interest in promoting creativity and critical thinking among students.
Highlight how you plan to use ATL beyond regular school hours to run workshops, innovation challenges, and mentoring programs. Share your school’s existing STEM efforts, such as science fairs, coding clubs, or project exhibitions.
If you have any past achievements like participation in national competitions or community projects, include them as proof of your commitment. Also, explain how ATL will help students from diverse backgrounds, promoting inclusive learning.
A practical, well-thought-out plan that includes measurable outcomes and community engagement gives your school a better chance at securing the Atal Tinkering Lab grant.
Common Mistakes Schools Make
Many schools miss out on selection due to avoidable errors. Common mistakes include:
- Submitting incomplete or vague responses in the application form
- Using generic answers without highlighting unique school strengths
- Uploading poor-quality or incorrect documents
- Not preparing a dedicated ATL room beforehand
- Ignoring submission deadlines or not tracking the application status
Avoiding these mistakes can greatly improve your success rate. If you want to learn common mistakes in detail, click here.
How ATALUP Can Help
ATALUP provides complete support for schools applying for the atal tinkering lab grant. From assessing your eligibility and gathering documents to drafting a compelling application and tracking the process, we guide you end to end.
Our team ensures that your school’s strengths are clearly communicated and that the application reflects the true potential of your students and teachers. With years of experience in ATL setup and management, we don’t just help you get the grant, we help you make the most of it.
Final Words
The Atal Tinkering Lab grant application is your school’s ticket to a future-ready education environment. With proper planning, a strong vision, and expert support, your school can build an ATL that not only transforms learning but also inspires innovation among students for years to come. Start preparing now and give your school a chance to lead the innovation movement in 2025.