What Is Atal Tinkering Lab? Explained in 6 Easy Steps.

Gone are the days when students used to learn theory to score a good rank in exams. The new Indian Education system is more focused on practical learning. To support this initiative, Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) has been introduced as a part of the Indian government’s Atal Innovation Mission (AIM).

The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) is a policy think tank that performs end-to-end welfare programs, from developing new policies to evaluating their performance. Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) was launched by NITI Aayog, the Government of India, in 2016.

Atal Tinkering Labs aims to nurture one million children in India as future innovators by providing STEM-based learning through hands-on experimentation, prototyping, and problem-solving.

1. What Is Atal Tinkering Lab, and Why Should Schools Get Atal Tinkering Labs?

We are living in an era of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Every industry is making the most of these latest technologies to optimize their complex operations. To make our Indian kids future-ready, it is important to inculcate curiosity, creativity, and imagination in their minds.

Atal Tinkering Labs introduces them to modern skills like design mindset, computational thinking, adaptive learning, physical computing, etc. 

2. Objectives Of Atal Tinkering Labs

Encouraging Hands-on Learning

ATL aims to create fun and creative workspaces where students can experiment, learn new skills, and coin creative ideas using hands-on activities. It offers a flexible environment where they can freely explore science and technology.

Building 21st-Century Skills

The goal is to prepare students for the future by teaching them important skills like critical thinking, creativity, innovation, design thinking, collaboration, and leadership. The real world demands out-of-the-box thinking; hence, ATL Lab provides a platform for all students.

Solving Real-World Problems for India

ATL encourages students to analyse India’s unique problems and come up with innovative solutions for those challenges. This helps India grow as a knowledge-driven economy by making students future-ready innovators.

3. Major ATL Programs

NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission is designed to conduct multiple innovative programs under ATL. These programs generate a competitive and innovative spirit, allowing students to explore global innovations. 

ATL Marathon:

Schools can participate in this innovation challenge and pick any one community problem of their choice to build a sustainable solution. Schools get to choose from various major challenges like education, agriculture, health, digital economy, tourism, etc. Over 300 best-performing teams are selected for internship opportunities with top companies.

ATL Tinkerpreneur Bootcamp:

This is a 9-week virtual boot camp program where students can learn digital and entrepreneurial skills to start their digital venture. ATL Mentors of Change and industry leaders gather together to guide these students. This is an excellent initiative supporting the Make in India mission. Click here to read a success story.

Global Collaborations – International Exposure & Learning:

ATL promotes global partnerships where students can connect with international peers, researchers, and universities. Students get global exposure to innovation and entrepreneurship through such programs. ATL partners with international organizations like UNICEF, IBM, Intel, and MIT, where students participate and showcase their unique innovations. 

4. How Can Schools Set Up Atal Tinkering Labs?

STEM education is not optional; it’s essential. Many Indian schools and students are already developing innovative projects and solutions. To start with ATL, schools must get a complete idea of the funding, eligibility criteria, and supporting systems. 

Atal Tinkering Lab Funding

NITI Aayog provides a ₹20 lakh grant to eligible schools and helps them establish ATLs. The one-time setup grant is ₹10 lakh, which is used for lab infrastructure, equipment, and tools. An operational and maintenance grant of ₹10 lakh is used for consumables, student participation, and training.

Atal Tinkering Lab Eligibility Criteria

Out of 15 lakh schools, only 10,000 will get the grant in 2025. Schools must understand the criteria and other requirements to set up an ATL Lab. 

Schools offering grades 6–12 (middle & secondary level) can apply for ATL. These schools must be managed by Government bodies, local municipal corporations, private trusts, or societies. They must be recognized by the state or central education board (CBSE, ICSE, State Boards, etc.).

Schools should have a dedicated space of approximately 1500 sq. ft. for setting up the lab. The space must have proper electricity, internet connectivity, and security for the ATL equipment. Schools should be willing to integrate STEM activities into the school’s academic curriculum.

5. Application Process for ATL

1. Online Application Submission

Schools can apply through the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) website (aim.gov.in). They must submit a detailed proposal explaining their commitment to fostering innovation and STEM learning. The proposal should highlight the school’s plan to use the lab and how it will benefit students.

2. Proposal Evaluation & Selection

Experts review applications based on criteria like STEM vision, student engagement plans, and infrastructure readiness. NITI Aayog sends a confirmation letter to all the selected schools.

3. Fund Allocation & Lab Setup

Schools receive ₹20 lakh funding in phases (₹10 lakh for setup + ₹10 lakh over 5 years for operational costs). The Atal Tinkering Lab is equipped with 3D printers, robotics kits, IoT modules, and other STEM tools.

4. Training & Implementation

Teachers get to attend ATL training workshops for effective lab utilization. Schools must integrate ATL projects and hands-on learning activities into their curriculum.

6. What Is Atal Tinkering Lab? A Shift in Mindset?

Atal Tinkering Lab is not just about having robotics kits or 3D printers in school. It’s about changing the way students learn and think. In a regular classroom, students mostly follow instructions. But inside an ATL, they ask questions, try new ideas, and build things on their own.

This shift from “learning from books” to “learning by doing” is what makes ATL special. It builds confidence in children, helps them face problems without fear, and encourages them to come up with their own solutions.

Even if an experiment fails, students learn something new. That’s the true success of ATL: creating a space where failure is okay, curiosity is welcomed, and innovation becomes a habit.

It’s not just a lab. It’s a launchpad for future thinkers, creators, and leaders.

Final Words

Setting up and managing an ATL lab can be challenging, from securing grants to ensuring structured learning and compliance. ATALUP is a comprehensive ATL lifecycle management platform designed to help schools apply for ATL funding, streamline lab setup, automate operations, and enhance student engagement. 

With features like real-time tracking, AI-powered scheduling, resource management, and teacher training support, ATALUP ensures schools maximize the impact of their ATL labs. Whether you’re looking to apply for an ATL grant or improve your lab’s efficiency, ATALUP makes the entire process effortless and result-driven.

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