Atal Tinkering Labs [ATL]

By : Neha Dhyani

Updated : Apr 15, 2022, 13:48

The Atal Innovation Mission, of which the Atal Tinkering Labs are a part, is a flagship scheme of the Indian government to make school education more modern and technologically advanced.

Atal Tinkering Labs or ATL are a disruptive system that enables children as young as 12 years to decide what they want to do in life and aspire to achieve that without worrying about a fixed curriculum. They are also introduced to technology and exposed to a culturally different micro-environment.

What is the Basis of Atal Tinkering Labs?

The foundation of Atal Tinkering Labs lies in the ancient Indian Gurukul education system. It also derives its principles from the world's best Finishing education system that focuses on hands-on practical training, self-learning methodology, and real-world exposure.

Its primary aim is to encourage learners to be curious and innovative. As students become free thinkers and ever ready to explore new things, they inculcate 21st-century skills like computational thinking, critical thinking, digital fabrication, design thinking, and collaboration.

Atal Tinkering Labs encourage teachers and students to experiment, follow, and explore the path of self-learning, prompting them to imagine problems differently and create innovative solutions.

In the process, they will leverage tools like the Internet of Things (IoT), 3D Printing, Space Technology, Miniaturized Electronics, Technology Inspired Textiles, Drone Technology, etc.

ATL has a mechanism to allow parents and mentors to give their ideas to make education more innovative. Atal Tinkering Labs also conduct community sessions where interested individuals can suggest ideas to solve day-to-day problems of the country in general and the society in particular, therefore teaching the values of national service to everyone.

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Atal Tinkering Labs Numbers

Under Atal Tinkering Labs, the government provides a grant-in-aid of INR 20 lakh or below to schools selected to set up an ATL. The school must spend the fund for the purpose mentioned in the agreement within 5 years from the date of the sanctioning of the fund. Of the 20 lakh, INR 10 lakh will be assigned for capital expenses and INR 10 lakh for maintenance and operational expenses.

As of December 2018, there were over 5,000 ATLs in India. And presently, there are over 9,500 ATLs. Atal Tinkering Labs are present in 722 districts of 34 Indian states and union territories.

Also, over 5,100 mentors of change are engaged in mentoring, and 75 lakh students are actively engaged in ATLs. Moreover, more than 70% of all ATLs are in Govt. and Govt. Aided schools and Girls and Co-Ed Schools. Over 2.1 lakh innovation projects have already been created in Atal Tinkering Labs.

Atal Tinkering Labs Significance

The objective of Atal Tinkering Labs is to create a blended education system to match the global growth in innovation. ATL's mission is to design and develop an ecosystem that nurtures futuristic skills, such as critical thinking, adaptive learning, and computational skills. The project aims to create 1 million neoteric innovators.

Atal Tinkering Labs is an innovative project undertaken by the Atal Innovation Mission under NITI Aayog. The project aims to transform the education system in India and empower young students to be at par with other students globally.

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FAQs on Atal Tinkering Labs

Q.1) What are Atal Tinkering Labs?

Atal Tinkering Labs or ATL are a disruptive system that enables children as young as 12 years to decide what they want to do in life and aspire to achieve that without worrying about a fixed curriculum.

Q.2) What is the key feature of Atal Tinkering Labs?

Atal Tinkering Labs encourage teachers and students to experiment, follow, and explore the path of self-learning, prompting them to imagine problems differently and create innovative solutions.

Q.3) How many Atal Tinkering Labs are there in India?

Presently, there are over 9,500 Atal Tinkering Labs in India.

Q.4) What is the amount of grant-in-aid under Atal Tinkering Labs?

Under Atal Tinkering Labs, the government provides a grant-in-aid of INR 20 lakh or below to schools selected to set up an ATL.