Atal Tinkering Lab: A Gateway to Innovation and Skill Development

Omkar Shelar

Background 

Atal Tinkering Labs(ATLs) is a flagship program launched by the government of India under NITI Aayog in 2016. It is one of the programs under the Atal Innovation Mission having a focus on STEM (Science, Technology,  Engineering, and Mathematics) along with nurturing creativity and scientific temper among the various school students by providing them various benefits to innovate and prosper in their life. The main objective of ATLs is to foster curiosity, creativity, and inculcating skills such as design thinking, adaptive thinking, and adaptive learning. This program is inspired by the ancient Indian Gurukul system and Finland’s Self-learning methodology. It encourages the students to take hands-on training, real world exposure and self development. According to the Government of India, 10,000 Atal tinkering labs (ATLa) have already been established in schools across the 722 districts in India. In the recent  2025 annual financial budget, the government announced to set up 50,000 more ATLs over the next five years. 

Components of an Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL):

Physical Space Requirements:

1. The establishment of the ATL needs to take place within 1000 to 1500 sq. ft. of space.
2. The designated area for ATL installation should consist of one room that provides an open floor plan. 
3. The security system needs implementation while the facility should maintain nearness to ensure easy accessibility.

Design and Branding Guidelines:

1. The maintenance of homogeneous design requires schools to adopt ATL branding rules.
2. The facility should build an environment where students can brainstorm.

Operational Framework:

The four-level tinkering system guides ATLs in their operation.

1. Design Thinking & Ideation enables the exploration of problems together with their corresponding solutions.
2. Developing Concepts (Learning emerging technologies)
3. Hands-on building of prototypes takes place within the Prototyping and Physical Computing segment.
4. Team members collaborate on real-world problems as part of their Problem-Solving in Teams activity.

Functioning 

The functioning of an ATLs involves successfully Managing and running the Atal Tinkering Lab which includes,

Identifying the right human resource : It focused on careful selection, outlining their responsibility in fostering innovation. It also talks about the establishment of an ATL Advisory Body (AAB) to monitor the functioning of the ATL.

Integrating ATL with the school curriculum : Program talks about a four level process to progressively engage students from classes 6th to 12th, integrating ATLs activities into the regular curriculum.

1. Level 1 (Pre Tinker) : An introduction to tinkering combined with idea generation along with ATL site visits.
2. Level 2 (Tinker Club) :  teaches students essential design thinking along with digital skills to turn them into “Tinkerers” throughout a two-month period.
3. Level 3(TinkerLab) :  Introduces physical computing through real-time project building to encourage students toward Makership.
4. Level 4 (Post TinkerLab) : Encourages students motivated by themselves to develop real-world projects under mentor supervision to reach the “Innovator” classification.

Managing the ATL : 

Inventory Management : ATLs in charge would be responsible for the general inventory security of equipment. It also includes maintaining inventory documents both paper and online, details of record about supply and consumption etc. Apart from this, it also aims to manage information about ATLs activities and share it with students, parents, teachers, school management and external AIM team, and potential partners.

Procurement of Tools and Materials : 

1. The Government e-Marketplace provides the platform through which schools make their equipment procurements.
2. The funded amount for this program consists of ₹10 lakh dedicated to capital spending on equipment acquisition and an additional ₹10 lakh designated for operational support throughout five years.
3. The available funding supports purchases of robotics systems plus Internet of Things (IoT) devices along with 3D printing technology.

Engaging the Community and Other Schools: 

The ATL In-charge must connect with the local community and outside external organizations by conducting awareness programs and seeking support from government institutions to find like minded students.

Mentoring and Collaboration:

The achievement of ATL depends on strong connections with educational mentors together with business professionals along with professional scholars. The AIM initiative established Mentor of Change (MoC) as a program that allows leaders to volunteer as mentors.

It emphasizes academic institution and corporate partner collaboration which allows them to provide educational resources and financial support through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

However, ATLs face some concerns like accessibility into hostile locations. Ex. DPS Srinagar case study where stakeholders faced the problems of equipment procurement and it affected the smooth transition and functioning of ATLs. There are many case studies like Government Higher Multipurpose Senior Secondary School, Bilaspur, Hongirana School of Excellence, and Collaborating for an Impactful Atal Tinkering Lab”, which indirectly raised a concern about inequalities in infrastructure access and highlighted major concerns.

Performance 

Through the Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) initiative which operates under the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) of NITI Aayog the program seeks to develop innovation and creativity within school students all across India. The performance assessment of this program during the past two to three years can be analyzed through official resources such as program dashboards together with budget allocations and economic surveys as well as annual reports and pertinent documents.

Program reach and implementation : The latest statistics show that AIM operates more than 10,000 ATLs throughout 35 states/UTs and 722 Indian districts where over 10 million students remain involved. The extensive distribution demonstrates how organizations seek to build an innovative culture by reaching thousands of districts across the nation.  As per the statistics,

1. The leadership of more than 6200 Mentors of Change supports student learning at Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs).
2. The resource-based learning initiatives of ATL programs include more than 1.1 crore participating students. 
3. The innovation projects created by students is more than 16 lakh presently, which advance their problem-solving capabilities and creativity growth. 

 Fig.1 Bar chart showing state wise ATLs number 

Source : Created by the author.

 Fig.2 Bar chart showing state wise ATLs number 

Source : Created by the author.

Budget Allocations : The government demonstrates substantial financial support for the ATL program because of its dedication to STEM education advancement.

1. In 2016-2019 the Indian Government allocated ₹1,000 crore to expand AIM until 2019-20 in order to create 10,000 ATLs in different locations around the nation. 
2. The Outcome Budget 2025-2026 provides funding to boost PM SHRI(Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India) school facilities with the establishment of ATLs as part of infrastructure development initiatives. The funds allocated at ₹7,500 crore will boost facilities at 6,000 educational institutions. 

Integration of Advanced Technologies : The expanding technical environments required AIM to create Frontier Technology Labs (FTLs) which derive from ATLs as their groundwork. These labs help students to access the state of art technologies that includes AI, IoT, blockchain technology, cyber security mechanism, and robotics.  The program targets to furnish students with expertise that matches the career trends of the forthcoming job landscape. 

Capacity Building and Support Programs : AIM has developed AIM iCREST as a program to build the capabilities of incubators linked to ATLs. AIM promotes this program to improve incubator team effectiveness by providing them with the required training to develop the incubation enterprise economy. 

Impact : 

1. A third-party organisation (Athena Infonomics) studied 500 ATLs across India to evaluate their impact based on student engagement and infrastructure quality and event management and innovation initiatives. The research findings demonstrate that ATLs has created spaces for student innovation through their culture development leading students to generate multiple projects which address actual world problems.  
2. Impact of ATLs on the schools: According to Athena Infonomics primary survey data,
   1. 68.8% of schools improved the academic performance 
   2. 63.1% of schools said there is increased demand for admission.
   3. 60% of schools said it helped us to enhance our scientific temper.
   4. 55.6% of schools said, program helped to increase engagement with other schools.
   5. 53.8% of schools confirmed that, it has increased the engagement with community 
   6. 45.4% of schools highlighted that achievement of schools in STEM has increased.

 Fig.3 Bar chart showing Impact of ATLs on the schools

Source : Athena Infonomics Private Ltd.

3. Benefits of ATLs for ATL Innovation Coordinators (ATL ICs).

According to statistical data of Athena Infonomics, The establishment of Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) brought essential advantages to Innovation Centers (ICs) where 60% of ATL ICs gained leadership skills and 58% stating professional and career development advancement. The educational institutions reached two major objectives; they enabled student innovators and developed network partnerships among individuals. The initiative brought increased recognition together with better visibility to 51.1% of ICs while 26% gained access to external funding opportunities. National along with international sites served 22.3% of Innovation Centers to present their work.

  Fig.4 Benefits of ATL for the ATL ICs

Source : Athena Infonomics Private Ltd.

4. Impact of ATLs on Teachers and Teaching Practices

     Fig.5  Impact of ATLs on the Teaching Practices in the School

   Source : Athena Infonomics Private Ltd.

5. Impact on Student Mindset and Learning

Studies show that Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) create growth within students toward academic and career paths because 74.4% of schools report STEM subject interest growth and 69.4% show improved outcomes in both academic performance and learning. The developmental process of 21st-century competencies including critical thinking and problem-solving became apparent to 58.2% of participating schools. School data showed that entrepreneurial aspirations of students increased among 23.1% of educational institutions.

Fig. Impact of the ATLs on the Mindset of Students  

   Source : Athena Infonomics Private Ltd.

Through its operations during recent years the Atal Tinkering Lab program has successfully advanced student innovation and inventive thinking throughout the nation of India. Through significant financial investment and technological implementation along with training programs, the program shows strong prospects to advance its positive education reform efforts. Budgetary commitments by the government along with future development plans demonstrate how vital it is to grow innovative young talents who will lead national advancement.

Emerging Issues in Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs):

1. The main challenge students encounter in attending ATL sessions is caused by scheduling conflicts that arise from their regular academic courses. 
2. Students usually need to take advantage of unassigned class times to use ATL facilities which reduces their ability to stay connected continuously. Puzzling guidelines about machine and equipment cleaning present safety concerns for personnel at ATLs. 
3. The problems of insufficient or defective equipment affect certain Advanced Technical Laboratories particularly in regions that experience unreliable support from distributors. 
4. Government schools face major procedural challenges during ATL setup as indicated by 61% of the schools reporting such difficulties in their establishment process. 
5. Parents view ATL activities as competing with academics therefore they provide diminished backing for their children’s involvement.
6. Enhanced communication combined with steady funding and increased institutional backing provides the necessary foundation to maintain ATLs’ beneficial contributions.

Way Forward:

Several essential measures should be implemented to enhance the performance of Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) like,

1. The implementation of a synchronized communication system that features a central information hub combined with monthly newsletters will decrease the quantity of unknown information about ATL setup and operations. 
2. Social media promotion together with ATL In-charge WhatsApp groups and events managed at state or regional levels will boost awareness levels and activate more participation in events. 
3. The performance monitoring system must prioritize constant evaluation together with the Mentors of Change (MoCs) to provide immediate feedback so evaluations remain current. 
4. The inclusion of ATL activities within school curricula enhances multidisciplinary education while making ATL project work count towards student evaluation. The success of the resource empowerment initiative requires consistent ATL In-charge and teacher training sessions together with orientation workshops following ATL approvals. 
5. The establishment of collaborative partnerships between industries and schools should receive support to establish better funding arrangements and enable superior educational resources for stronger development. 
6. The program’s outreach will grow by making ATL achievements public to parents and by including them in Atal Advisory Committee (AAC) decision-making bodies. Inclusivity must be promoted together with accessibility standards which will make ATLs available to different student groups including those with disabilities and enable outreach beyond normal school settings. 
7. The development of a sustainability framework will happen through cooperation between academic institutions and industry bodies who will exchange best practices while demonstrating successful achievements. 
8. Strategic initiatives like technological advancement, training and capacity building among both teachers and students, monitoring and evaluation systems will help to improve the operational efficiency of ATLs as well as their outreach capabilities while delivering sustained innovation potential for emerging but future innovators.

Conclusion

Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) bring major progress to the fields of innovation and STEM education throughout India. Students now have access to hands-on learning through these platforms that build their problem-solving capabilities while increasing creative potential among learners. Through enhanced communication between resources and industrial cooperation, ATLs will maintain their position as student empowerment centers while building a workforce of tomorrow.

Sources

Athena Infonomics Private Ltd. (2023). Assessment of Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs). https://aim.gov.in/pdf/Assessment-Report-of-Atal-tinkering-Labs.pdf

Atal Innovation Mission (2023). Operational ATLs in India.  https://aim.gov.in/pdf/_OperationalATLsInIndia.pdf

Government of India. (2023). The ATL Handbook. https://www.aim.gov.in/The_ATL_Handbook.pdf

Ministry of Finance. (2025). Outcome Budget 2025-2026. https://www.indiabudget.gov.in/economicsurvey/doc/eschapter/echap11.pdf

NITI Aayog. (2023). Operational Framework of Atal Tinkering Labs.https://aim.gov.in/atl.php 

Press Information Bureau (2025). Innovation Boost through Atal Tinkering Labs.  https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2100727#:~:text=Elucidating%20on%20the%20 innovation%20 boost

TNI Team. (2025, January 21). Atal Tinkering Labs are catalysts for India’s R&D revolution.  https://www.newindian.in/atal-tinkering-labs-are-catalysts-for-indias-rd-revolution/

About the Contributor

Omkar Shelar is a policy researcher at IMPRI and a postgraduate student of Public Policy and Governance at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Hyderabad with a keen interest in Data driven policy making and analysis. 

Acknowledgement: The author extends sincere gratitude to Dr Arjun Kumar and Aasthaba Jadeja for their invaluable guidance and support.

Disclaimer: All views expressed in the article belong solely to the author and not necessarily to the organisation.

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