ATL LAB
Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) are innovation hubs established by the Government of India under the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), an initiative by NITI Aayog. Their primary goal is to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among students in grades 6 to 12 across the country.athenainfonomics.com+6AIM+6India Science and Technology+6Tinkerly+3OPPO+3CareerGuide+3
🔧 What Is an Atal Tinkering Lab?
An ATL is a state-of-the-art workspace designed to nurture creativity and innovation in young minds. It provides students with access to tools and equipment such as 3D printers, robotics kits, open-source microcontroller boards, sensors, and computers. These resources enable hands-on learning in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines, promoting skills like design thinking, computational thinking, and adaptive learning. India Science and Technologyedgefxtech.com+2AIM+2India Science and Technology+2ableducation.com+3AIM+3AIM+3
🎯 Objectives of ATLs
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Hands-on Learning: Encourage students to learn through experimentation and project-based activities.
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Skill Development: Instill 21st-century skills such as creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
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Innovation Ecosystem: Create an environment where students can develop innovative solutions to real-world problems.
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Mentorship: Provide guidance from industry experts and educators to support student projects.
🏫 Eligibility Criteria for Schools
Schools interested in establishing an ATL must meet the following criteria:India Science and Technology+3Tinkerly+3ableducation.com+3
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Infrastructure: Allocate a minimum of 1,500 sq. ft. for the lab (1,000 sq. ft. for schools in hilly or island areas).
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Facilities: Ensure availability of a computer lab with internet connectivity (minimum 2 Mbps), science lab, steady electricity, library, and playground.
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Staffing: Employ qualified teachers in Science, Mathematics, and Computer Science.
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Student Enrollment: Have at least 400 students in grades 6 to 10 (250 in hilly/island areas).
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Academic Performance: Maintain a minimum attendance of 75% over the past 3 years and a consistent performance in board exams.
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Engagement: Participate in science competitions and maintain partnerships with alumni and mentors.
💰 Financial Support
AIM provides a grant-in-aid to eligible schools, which includes:AIM+2India Science and Technology+2AIM+2
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Establishment Cost: ₹10 lakh as a one-time setup cost.
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Operational Expenses: ₹10 lakh per year for up to 5 years.
🌟 Impact and Reach
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Number of ATLs: Over 10,000 ATLs established across 35 states and union territories.
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Student Engagement: More than 1.1 crore students actively participating.
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Mentors: Over 6,200 mentors engaged to guide students.
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Innovation Projects: Over 16 lakh innovation projects created by students.