Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL 2.0) Master Setup Guide & Operational Framework (2026)
1. Introduction to Atal Innovation Mission & ATL 2.0 Vision
With a national vision to “Cultivate One Million children in India as Neoteric Innovators”, the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, is establishing Atal Tinkering Laboratories (ATLs) in schools across every district of India. The primary objective of this flagship scheme is to foster curiosity, creativity, and imagination in young minds while inculcating essential 21st-century skills such as computational thinking, adaptive learning, physical computing, and rapid design mindset.
An ATL is not a traditional passive demonstration science laboratory; it is an active workspace where young minds give concrete physical shape to their creative ideas through a hands-on, do-it-yourself (DIY) approach. Students in Classes 6 through 12 work directly with educational kits and industrial equipment across electronics, robotics, open-source microcontrollers, sensors, 3D printers, and mechanical tools.
2. The Three Cardinal Pillars of Atal Tinkering Labs
Empower Innovation Mindset
Create flexible workspaces where students independently experiment, embrace failure as a learning step, and sculpt conceptual theories into functional hardware prototypes.
Cultivate 21st-Century Competencies
Equip children with critical design thinking, computational logic, cross-cultural teamwork, physical computing, and ethical technological leadership.
Build Grassroots Indigenous Solutions
Inspire youth to formulate low-cost, scalable community innovations addressing agriculture, clean water, healthcare, waste management, and renewable energy.
3. Architectural Layout: The 4 Functional Tinkering Zones
In accordance with NITI Aayog architectural guidelines, the 1,500 sq. ft. laboratory space is bifurcated into four contiguous functional clusters:
Equipped with magnetic whiteboards, ergonomic modular seating, video conferencing terminal, and projection display for brainstorming and challenge ideation.
Workbenches outfitted with anti-static ESD rubber mats, regulated DC power supplies, multimeters, Arduino development boards, and sensor arrays.
Dedicated, vibration-isolated counter holding the FDM 3D printer, non-toxic PLA filament storage, slicing terminals, and post-processing tools.
Heavy-duty wooden/steel workbench equipped with bench vices, vertical drill press, junior hacksaws, precision files, pliers, and safety goggles.
4. Explore Dedicated ATL 2.0 Resource Clusters
Full bill of materials for Package 1 to 4 with official quantity comparison for 60-student and 90-student batches.
Official floor plan, power requirements (5kVA), safety protocols, and furniture ergonomics.
₹10L capital, ₹10L O&M envelope, Tranche 1–3 disbursement rules, and Form GFR 12-A compliance.
How to procure compliant hardware via GeM under GFR Rule 149 and secure OEM warranties.
Devendra Singh
Lead infrastructure consultant at CSEEL with deep specialization in NITI Aayog Atal Tinkering Labs, CBSE Composite Science Laboratories, and turnkey GeM procurement execution across 250+ schools in India.
Explore Other School Lab Solutions
Beyond Composite Science Labs, CSEEL designs and equips turnkey NEP 2020 and NITI Aayog aligned innovation labs across India.
NITI Aayog (P1–P4)Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL)
Turnkey setup for NITI Aayog AIM packages with 3D printers, electronics, and rapid prototyping.
- Packages P1 to P4 complete hardware & 3D printers
- Arduino, sensors, mechanical tools & mentor training
CBSE Skill 417 & 843Artificial Intelligence & ML Lab
Future skills lab with computer vision rigs, edge AI accelerators, and Python neural network tools.
- Edge AI vision cameras & Coral accelerators
- Python SDK, OpenCV & hands-on student projects
Circular Skill-75/2024Composite Skill Lab
Mandatory vocational lab for Classes 6–12 with AI, coding, robotics, and 33 CBSE skill subjects.
- Option A (600 sq ft) or Option B (2x 400 sq ft)
- 33 vocational modules including AI Code 417 & 843
Senior Secondary (11–12)Advance Composite Science Lab
High-end interdisciplinary research lab with analytical spectrophotometers and research microscopes.
- Digital spectrophotometer, research microscopes & centrifuge
- Fume exhaust hood & Class 11-12 research stations
ISRO Space AlignedAstronomical & Space Lab
Interactive celestial observatory with motorized GoTo telescopes, solar filters, and planetarium software.
- Motorized 8" Schmidt-Cassegrain tracking telescope
- H-alpha solar filter, digital planetarium & astrophotography
DGCA Micro-AviationAerospace & Drone Lab
Aeronautical wind tunnel simulators, modular quadcopter kits, flight simulators, and safety net cage.
- Modular DIY multirotor drone kits & flight simulators
- Wind tunnel lift/drag test kits & flight safety netting
Industry 4.0 RoboticsRobotics & IoT Super-Lab
Industrial kinematics, multi-sensor autonomous rovers, smart IoT cloud, and WRO competition tracks.
- 4-DOF/6-DOF robotic arms & autonomous rovers
- ESP32 wireless mesh & World Robot Olympiad mats
NEP 2020 MakerspaceDesign Thinking & Innovation Lab
Human-centric design studio with enclosed laser cutters, vinyl plotters, and woodworking workbenches.
- Enclosed laser cutter/engraver & vinyl plotter
- Heavy-duty ergonomic maker workbenches & tool kits
Spatial ComputingAR / VR Immersive Science Lab
Virtual reality suites for 3D molecular biology, virtual dissections, and risk-free hazardous chemistry.
- Standalone 6-DoF VR headsets with teacher dashboard
- Virtual anatomy & chemistry simulations with zero hazard
CBSE Math Lab NormVedic & Experiential Math Lab
Eliminates math phobia through tactile geometric proof solids, algebra tiles, clinometers, and abacus.
- Tactile pythagoras models, algebra tiles & clinometers
- Vedic arithmetic abacus & chapter-wise NCERT kits
Digital PhoneticsLanguage & Phonetics Lab
Interactive acoustic booths with AI-powered pronunciation waveforms, debate recording, and fluency trainers.
- Student audio terminals with master teacher console
- Real-time voice waveform matching for neutral accent
Planning Multiple Labs for CBSE Affiliation or PM SHRI Grant?
CSEEL offers integrated turnkey packages for Composite Labs, Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL), AI & Robotics Suites under a single audit-ready warranty with 3D CAD plans.