ATL Full Form

ATL full form is Atal Tinkering Labs. ATL was introduced in schools across India, with the aim of instilling creativity, curiosity, and imagination in the youth of the nation so that they grow up into intellectual and skilled adults. To learn more about the ATL scheme of the Government of India, read this article.

What is the Full Form of ATL? 

The full form of ATL is Atal Tinkering Labs. This is a scheme introduced by the government under the Atal Innovation Mission in schools all over the nation for the welfare of the youth and to foster a culture of entrepreneurial spirit and an innovative mindset. 

The Vision with which the ATL was launched  is, “ Cultivate one million children in India as neoteric innovators.”  The Atal Innovation Mission was introduced as a flagship program by the government under the NITI Ayog scheme. AIM is designed as such that it plays a major role in aligning policies of innovation amongst central, state, and sectoral ministries associated with the government of India by providing incentives for the promotion of an environment filled with innovative and entrepreneurial mindsets at different levels. 

History of ATL

The innovation of Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL full form) was established as an initiative under the Atal Innovation Mission. AIM is an initiative by the government of India with the objective of creating an environment of innovation, revolutionary ideas, and entrepreneurial ideas across the nation for future betterment. NITI Ayog launched this mission in 2016. 

Objectives of ATL 

• To create a safe learning workspace for the young minds of the nation in order to provide them with the knowledge of innovative skills and coming up with revolutionary ideas. 
• Empowering the youth of the 21st century with various skills. Creativity, innovation, analytical thinking, innovation through design, social and cross-cultural teamwork, and ethical leadership are all essential skills being harnessed in the minds of the youth of the nation. 
• Like every nation of the world, India also has its challenges and to help face these obstacles on the road to greater development, ATL's objective is to help build innovative solutions. 

Features of ATL 

The workspaces of ATL are designed in a manner, which gives children the freedom to come up with their own ideas and do everything by themselves promoting a sense of independence. 

• They are provided with the resources to fully understand the concept of STEM ( Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). 
• Educational kits and equipment on electronics, science, robotics, sensors, 3D printers, computers, and open-source microcontroller boards are provided to the students in the labs. 
• Other upgraded facilities like video conferencing rooms and discussion rooms are also designed. 
• National and regional level competitions, workshops based on problem-solving, exhibitions, fabrication and designing of products, and lectures are some activities organized by the labs. 
• AIM provides financial support to the ATLs. A funding of Rs.20 Lakh is provided to each school that has an ATL. A one-time funding of 10 lakh is given for the establishment of the ATL, full form of which is Atal Tinkering Labs, and the remaining 10 lakh is to be utilized as operational expenses for a maximum of 5 years. 

 Eligibility Criteria of ATL

• Schools that are under the management of government, private foundations, or businesses qualify for establishing an ATL. 
• A space of 1500 square feet has to be provided by the schools for establishing an ATL. Schools located in the hill stations and island states have to provide at least 1000 square feet of space to build a lab. 

There is also a selection process of schools that takes place The process requires  6-8 months. 

The selection process is composed of three distinct stages. 

Stage 1: Accepting applications via the online application portal (3-4 months)

The invitation is given to schools to submit their application for the establishment of ATL on the online application portal of ATL. This platform is designed specifically for schools to submit their ATL applications. There are four sections in the online application : 

• Contact information about the respective school and its principal.
• Information regarding the identity of the school. 
• The school’s performance is based on the scores and participation in various competitions. 
• Information about the infrastructure of the school

Stage 2: Screening of Applications (1-2 months)

Two methods of the process of selection of applications are screening and final evolution. All the applications that have been submitted by the schools are screened on the basis of the eligibility criteria. 

Stage 3: Final Evaluation (1-2 months)

The selected applications are evaluated further. The final evaluation and selection depend on the weighted average. Once the whole process of evaluation is completed, the list of selected schools is uploaded on the official website of the Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL full form) and a confirmation is sent through mail to the schools that have been selected. 

Factors Resulting in the Success of  ATL 

• Introducing the students to the concept of STEM ( Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths). 
• Excellent hands-on training provided in the field of science and technology. 
• Improvement of practical skills. 
• Encouraging self and innovative thinking in the minds of the youth. 
• Teaching key concepts in real time that are student-oriented has been very beneficial for the children. 

Written By: Mia Singh