50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs to be Set Up in Government Schools in Next 5 Years: FM

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday announced that 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) will be established in government schools across India over the next five years. This initiative aims to promote scientific thinking, creativity, and hands-on learning among students.

The announcement was made while presenting the Union Budget 2025-26, marking a major step in the government’s efforts to strengthen STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. ATLs provide students with access to tools and resources in coding, robotics, artificial intelligence, and 3D printing, helping them develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

What Are Atal Tinkering Labs?

Atal Tinkering Labs are innovation workspaces set up under the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) of NITI Aayog. These labs provide students with:

• DIY kits in electronics, IoT, 3D printing, and robotics
• Tools for coding and artificial intelligence
• Mentorship programs with experts
• Innovation challenges and competitions

The objective of ATLs is to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical application, fostering a culture of innovation among young minds.

Other Imporatnt Announcements

Apart from the expansion of ATLs, the finance minister also announced:

• The establishment of five national centres for skilling with global expertise.
• The launch of the Bharatiya Bhasha Pushtak scheme, which will provide digital versions of Indian language books for schools and higher education.
• Additional infrastructure development in five IITs to enhance research and learning facilities.

The Atal Innovation Mission, under which ATLs operate, was first announced in the 2015 Budget speech. The mission aims to create an ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship across schools, universities, research institutions, MSMEs, and industries.