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Official CBSE Material Checklist October 2026• 6 min read•By Devendra Singh

Materials, Apparatus & Chemicals for CBSE Composite Science Lab

DS
Devendra Singh
STEM & CBSE Lab Architect • CSEEL EdTech
Materials, Apparatus & Chemicals for CBSE Composite Science Lab - CBSE Composite Science Lab Guide
Official CBSE Material Checklist
Official 49+ Non-Consumable Apparatus, 18 Chemicals & 15 Biological Specimens as per SARAS SOP

Essential Compliance Highlights (Official CBSE Material Checklist)

Complete pre-audited kit containing all 49 non-consumable items and 18 chemicals as per CBSE SARAS SOP
High-precision optical apparatus: 10 compound microscopes, 10 concave/convex mirrors, glass prisms & lenses
Chemistry glassware & heating: 20 boiling tubes, beakers, conical flasks, separating funnels & Bunsen burners
Freshly prepared lab-grade chemicals in leak-proof, color-coded safety bottles with hazard labels
Permanent biological slide sets & museum-grade specimens (Amoeba, Hydra, Spirogyra, Silkmoth Life Cycle)

Mandatory Equipment, Apparatus & Chemical Specifications

Under Clause 6 of the official CBSE SARAS Composite Science Laboratory SOP, every secondary school must maintain an exact inventory of 49 non-consumable equipment items, 18 essential chemicals, and 15 preserved biological specimens/permanent slides. This inventory is calibrated specifically for a practical batch of 40 students working concurrently under a science teacher.

Official Material Register Export

Download Complete 82-Item Lab Inventory in Excel

Includes 49 Apparatus, 18 Chemicals & 15 Preserved Specimens with quantities & specifications.

SARAS SOP PDF

1. Mandatory 49 Non-Consumable Apparatus Checklist

Official Clause 6(a) Itemized Register with Photo Preview (Click photo to enlarge)

↔ Swipe horizontally to view full table
Photo#Apparatus / Equipment Name & SpecsMandated QuantityDiscipline
1
Assembled Compound Microscope
Triple nosepiece, 10x/40x objectives, plan-concave mirror
10 UnitsBiology
2
Test Tubes
15x125mm, Borosilicate 3.3 heat-resistant glass with rim
10 UnitsChemistry
3
Boiling Tubes
25x150mm heavy wall thermal shock proof glass
20 UnitsChemistry
4
Beakers (100ml)
100ml graduated with spout, ISO 3819 standard
10 UnitsChemistry
5
Beakers (500ml)
500ml double metric scale, high chemical durability
5 UnitsChemistry
6
Conical Flasks
250ml Erlenmeyer narrow neck with white enamel markings
5 UnitsChemistry
7
Tripod Stands
Triangular cast iron top 150mm, zinc plated mild steel legs
10 UnitsGeneral
8
Wire Gauze with Asbestos Center
150x150mm ceramic/asbestos center wire mesh for flame dispersion
10 UnitsGeneral
9
Filter Paper Boxes
Whatman No. 1 equivalent 11cm qualitative circular discs
10 BoxesChemistry
10
Wooden Assembling Storage Boxes
Polished teak wood partitioned storage box for optics & glassware
5 UnitsGeneral
11
Small Funnels (Glass & Plastic)
60-degree angle, 50mm diameter stem for filtration
10 Glass + 10 PlasticChemistry
12
Big Funnels (Glass & Plastic)
75mm diameter wide stem for bulk liquid transfer
5 Glass + 5 PlasticChemistry
13
Spatulas (Stainless Steel)
SS 304 grade 150mm one spoon end and one flat end
20 UnitsChemistry
14
Round Bottom Flasks (Small)
150ml borosilicate round base for distillation setups
5 UnitsChemistry
15
Laboratory Thermometers (-10°C to 110°C)
Red spirit/mercury filled, 1°C graduations, 300mm length
10 UnitsPhysics
16
Glass Stirring Rods
200mm × 6mm polished rounded ends borosilicate glass
10 UnitsChemistry
17
Droppers (Big & Small)
Borosilicate pipette stem with high-elasticity rubber teat
10 Big + 10 SmallChemistry
18
Deflagrating Spoons
Brass cup with stainless steel rod and vapor cork stopper disc
5 UnitsChemistry
19
Plane Mirrors with Stands
100x75mm optical float glass silvered with wooden support stands
10 Mirrors + 10 Pairs StandsPhysics
20
Test Tube Holders
Chrome plated spring brass wire clamp with wooden grip handle
10 UnitsChemistry
21
Dissection / Lab Scissors
Stainless steel 125mm sharp/blunt surgical points for botany practicals
4 UnitsBiology
22
Science Display Wall Charts
Laminated 75x100cm periodic table, human anatomy & ray optics
15 ChartsGeneral
23
Portraits of Eminent Scientists
Framed portraits of Newton, Raman, Curie, Einstein, Bose, APJ Abdul Kalam
20 PortraitsGeneral
24
Concave Mirrors (Focal length 15cm/20cm)
50mm diameter optical glass with protective lacquer coating
10 UnitsPhysics
25
Concave Lenses
50mm optical crown glass, bi-concave with true focal mark
10 UnitsPhysics
26
Convex Mirrors
50mm diameter spherical divergent mirror for focal length verification
10 UnitsPhysics
27
Convex Lenses
50mm bi-convex converging lens (focal length 10cm, 15cm, 20cm)
10 UnitsPhysics
28
Separating Funnels
125ml pear-shaped with PTFE stopcock for immiscible liquids
10 UnitsChemistry
29
Porcelain China Dishes
75mm glazed porcelain evaporating basin with pouring spout
10 UnitsChemistry
30
Petri Dishes with Lids
90x15mm borosilicate glass culture dishes with loose cover lids
10 UnitsBiology
31
Dissecting Needles
Stainless steel pointed straight & curved needles with plastic handles
10 UnitsBiology
32
Spring Balances (0–250 gm)
Tubular acrylic clear body with zero-adjust hook (0-250g / 2.5N)
4 UnitsPhysics
33
U-Shaped Magnets
Strong Alnico horseshoe magnet with steel keeper bar
5 UnitsPhysics
34
Bar Magnets (Alnico)
Pair in wooden box with keepers, north-pole stamped (75mm)
10 UnitsPhysics
35
Iron Filings Boxes
Degreased fine iron filings in sprinkler dispenser containers
4 BoxesPhysics
36
Retort Iron Stands with Clamps
Heavy cast iron base 200x125mm with 600mm nickel-plated steel rod
4 UnitsGeneral
37
Thumb Pins for Optical Boards
Plastic head rust-free steel pins for securing drawing paper
2 BoxesPhysics
38
Bunsen Burners with Gas Tubing
Heavy brass base with air regulator collar and neoprene gas hose
As per Gas Pipeline OutletsChemistry
39
Glass Prisms (Equilateral 50x50mm)
Crown optical glass, polished surfaces for light spectrum dispersion
4 UnitsPhysics
40
Gas Jars with Glass Lids
200x50mm heavy thick glass cylinder with ground rim glass cover
4 UnitsChemistry
41
Crucible / Beaker Tongs
Nickel plated steel 200mm bowed jaws for hot glassware safety
5 PairsChemistry
42
Pin Hole Cameras
Adjustable sliding wooden dual box with translucent ground screen
4 UnitsPhysics
43
Kaleidoscopes
Triangular mirror optical tube with colorful glass object chamber
5 UnitsPhysics
44
Magnetic Compasses (Plotting)
Aluminum body 25mm double-pivot magnetized plotting needle
5 UnitsPhysics
45
Laptop / Desktop Computing Station
Core i5/Ryzen 5 processor, 16GB RAM, SSD, dual HDMI for digital simulations
2 Complete SetsGeneral

2. Mandatory 18 Chemical Reagents & Consumables

Official Clause 6(b) Lab-Grade Chemical Reagents with Proper Packaging

18 Mandatory SKUs
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Photo#Chemical Reagent NameFormula / Purity GradeMandated PackagingLaboratory Purpose / Application
1Iodine Solution (Starch test)I₂ in KI (Lugol's)200 mlFood nutrient tests, starch detection in photosynthesis
2Copper Sulphate CrystalsCuSO₄·5H₂O200 gmWater of crystallization, displacement reactions, Biuret test
3Sodium Hydroxide Pellets (NaOH)NaOH (Lab Grade 97%)200 gmBase properties, saponification, acid-base neutralisation
4Hydrochloric Acid (Dilute & Concentrated HCl)HCl (Dilute 1N & Conc. 35%)200 ml eachAcid reactivity with metals, carbonates & neutralisation
5Magnesium Ribbon CoilsMg (Pure Ribbon)4 CoilsCombustion in air, basic oxide formation, exothermic reactions
6Sulphur PowderS₈ (Precipitated)200 gmNon-metal combustion, iron-sulphur compound synthesis
7Zinc GranulesZn (Pure Granular)2 BottlesHydrogen gas evolution reactions with dilute acids
8Sodium Chloride (Pure NaCl)NaCl (Analytical Grade)2,000 gmElectrolysis, solubility saturation, cooling mixtures
9Litmus Paper Booklets (Red & Blue)Natural Lichen Indicator20 Booklets eachAcid and base pH identification in aqueous solutions
10Methyl Orange IndicatorC₁₄H₁₄N₃NaO₃S (0.1% sol)2 BottlesAcid-base volumetric titration endpoint indicator (Red to Yellow)
11Phenolphthalein Indicator SolutionC₂₀H₁₄O₄ (1% in ethanol)2 BottlesColorless to pink endpoint transition in neutralisations
12Fresh Lime Water SolutionCa(OH)₂ (Aqueous)Prepared in labCarbon dioxide gas confirmation (milky turbidity test)
13Ethanol / Lab AlcoholC₂H₅OH (99% Absolute)1,000 mlChlorophyll decolourisation in leaf starch experiments
14Glass Microscope Slides Boxes75x25mm Float Glass (72/box)10 BoxesTemporary mounts (onion peel, human cheek cells, stomata)
15Glass Cover Slips Boxes18x18mm Square No. 1 Glass10 BoxesSpecimen mounting without air bubbles for microscopic study
16Hand Wash & Antiseptic SanitizerAntiseptic chlorhexidine/alcohol2 Bottles eachHygiene, post-experiment disinfection & chemical clean-up
17Safety MatchboxesFriction strike safety matches3 BoxesLighting Bunsen burners & deflagrating spoons safely

3. Biological Permanent Slides & Preserved Museum Specimens

Official Clause 6(c) Museum Jars, Microscopic Mounts & Anatomical Models

15 Preserved Specimens
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Photo#Specimen / Slide NameType / MountMandated QuantityMicroscopic Observation / Syllabus Topic
1Insectivorous Plant SpecimenPreserved Museum Jar3 UnitsPitcher plant / Utricularia showing leaf modification & digestive trap
2Hydrilla Plant in PreservativePreserved Botanical Specimen2 UnitsSubmerged aquatic plant morphology for oxygen evolution practicals
3Model of Human Dentition3D Anatomical Plastic Model2 SetsIncisors, canines, premolars & molars with root anchorage structure
4Functional Model of Simple PendulumMechanical Physics Model2 SetsOscillations, length vs time period squared (T²) proportionality
5Complete Life Cycle of SilkmothMounted Display Showcase2 SetsEgg, larva (silkworm), cocoon, pupa and adult male/female moth
6Root Nodules of Leguminous PlantPreserved Botanical Specimen2 UnitsRhizobium nitrogen-fixing symbiotic nodule morphology
7Bacteria Slide (Bacilli, Cocci, Spirilla)Permanent Stained Slide2 EachRod-shaped, spherical and spiral bacterial shapes under 400x
8Amoeba Proteus Permanent SlidePermanent Mounted Slide2 SlidesUnicellular protozoan with pseudopodia, nucleus and contractile vacuole
9Amoeba Binary Fission Permanent SlidePermanent Stained Slide2 SlidesAsexual reproduction showing karyokinesis and cytokinesis constriction
10Hydra Budding Permanent SlidePermanent Stained Slide2 SlidesAdult hydra with lateral bud outgrowth and tentacles formation
11Bread Mould (Rhizopus) SlidePermanent Mounted Slide2 SlidesFungal mycelium, hyphae, sporangiophores and spherical sporangia
12Spirogyra Filament SlidePermanent Stained Slide2 SlidesGreen filamentous alga with characteristic spiral ribbon chloroplasts
13Budding in Yeast Permanent SlidePermanent Stained Slide2 SlidesSaccharomyces yeast cells with developing daughter cell buds
14Paramecium Caudatum SlidePermanent Stained Slide2 SlidesSlipper animalcule showing cilia, oral groove and macronucleus
15Chlamydomonas Permanent SlidePermanent Stained Slide2 SlidesUnicellular biflagellated green alga with cup-shaped chloroplast
Critical Affiliation Inspection Note: Glassware & Chemical Storage

CBSE inspection committees strictly reject cheap unbranded soda-lime glass test tubes and ungraduated beakers because they crack under direct flame. All glassware supplied by CSEEL is 100% Borosilicate 3.3 laboratory glass with permanent ceramic enamel graduations. All concentrated acids must be stored inside locked double-door metal/wooden cupboards away from student workbenches.

Frequently Asked Questions (Official CBSE Material Checklist)

Can a school buy local chemicals and glassware for CBSE affiliation?

CBSE inspection committees verify standard specifications, graduated measurements on beakers, and chemical expiry/purity. Unbranded or non-calibrated apparatus can lead to affiliation show-cause notices. CSEEL provides pre-certified laboratory sets that comply directly with CBSE inspection criteria.

How many students does this material kit support?

The CBSE SARAS SOP is strictly designed for a batch of 40 students working concurrently (or in pairs of 20 workstations) under a teacher.

What is the shelf life of the chemical reagents included in the package?

All reagents are dispatched fresh in airtight borosilicate and HDPE bottles with a minimum shelf life of 2 to 3 years.

Tags:#CBSEAffiliation#CompositeLab#SARASSOP#STEMIndia#Official CBSE Material Checklist
DS

Devendra Singh

Lead Educational Infrastructure Consultant at CSEEL. Specialized in CBSE SARAS affiliation norms, Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL), and NEP 2020 STEM experiential lab setups across India.

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