India Crosses 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs; Govt Plans 50,000 More

India has achieved a significant milestone with the establishment of 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) nationwide, under the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), which started in 2016 to foster creativity and problem-solving skills among school students

The government has allocated ₹1,39184 crore directly to schools to create these innovation labs, with Maharashtra leading the states with 1,033 ATLs, followed by Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.

AIM adopts a direct-to-school funding approach, with Maharashtra receiving the highest funding at ₹14292 crore. Other top recipients include Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.

A notable aspect of this initiative is its focus on rural and aspirational regions, with 57% of ATLs located in rural India and significant numbers in aspirational districts and blocks

The Union Budget 2025-26 has set a target to establish 50,000 more ATLs in government schools over the next five years, further expanding the reach of innovation and STEM education across India

This expansion is aimed at ensuring that students from all socio-economic backgrounds can access advanced technology, robotics, and STEM-based learning opportunities

The Atal Innovation Mission has played a crucial role in democratizing access to technology and fostering hands-on learning, turning ATLs into launchpads for future innovators and entrepreneurs

The initiative emphasizes the importance of building a future-ready ecosystem, where innovation extends beyond urban areas to every classroom, unlocking the potential in every child across the nation