AI SummaryLab on Wheels brings science closer to students and youth in rural Uttarakhand by offering mobile laboratory facilities to improve practical understanding of science subjects across all 13 districts. The scheme is managed by the Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology (UCOST) and continues to grow, with a fresh Lab on Wheels flagged off by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on 29 January 2026 under the Infosys Springboard partnership.
Lab on Wheels works to spark interest in science education among students who study science subjects throughout all 13 districts of Uttarakhand. The mobile laboratories travel directly to schools, including those in far-flung rural corners, so that every child gets a chance to touch, feel and experiment with scientific equipment they usually only read about.
Lab on Wheels - Introduction
Lab on Wheels is run by the Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology (UCOST) under the Department of Science and Technology of the Government of Uttarakhand, with support from the School Education department. The program was planned with 13 Mobile Science Labs (MSL) for the state. The first 4 MSL started in July 2024 for Dehradun, Pauri, Champawat and Almora districts, and the remaining 9 MSL for the other districts were flagged off by the Chief Minister on 8 April 2025.
Agastya International Foundation works as the implementing agency for the program, and 20 government schools are selected in each district every year. On 29 January 2026, the Chief Minister also flagged off a new Lab on Wheels under the Infosys Springboard initiative, which offers hands-on training in Artificial Intelligence, coding, IoT and other emerging technology areas, and will travel across educational institutions in the state for the next five years.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Lab on Wheels |
| Level | State |
| Scheme for | Individual |
| Beneficiary States | Uttarakhand |
| Category | Science, IT & Communications |
| Target Beneficiaries | Students of classes 6 to 10 and youth |
| Benefit Type | In Kind |
| Nodal Department | Science And Technology |
| Implementing Agency | Uttarakhand State Council for Science And Technology (UCOST) |
| Tags | Lab, Student, Science, UCOST |
Benefits
Lab on Wheels operates to popularize science in the remote parts of Uttarakhand and strengthens science education in local schools. It offers students, including those in far-flung rural areas, a chance to find out about the practical applications of science in a hands-on environment.
The mobile labs bring in elements of curiosity, creativity and confidence in students. Hands-on activities and models make complex scientific concepts much easier to understand. Students are also encouraged to make low-cost models and take part in peer-to-peer learning, which helps build logical thinking, problem-solving skills and local leadership among them.
The new Infosys Springboard Lab on Wheels adds training in Artificial Intelligence, coding, IoT and other emerging technology domains, and also helps students learn science experiments through virtual modes. This practical and experiential learning is useful for students in school education, technical education and higher education.
Eligibility
To take part, students should meet the following criteria:
- Students should be residents of one of the 13 districts in Uttarakhand.
- Students should be studying a science subject in a government or a non-government school, with the UCOST program mainly covering classes 6 to 10.
Application Process
The Lab on Wheels visits are arranged through schools, so there is no direct individual online form for students. The process works through the school administration.
STEP 1 - Interested students should contact their school teachers or principal and share the interest in a Lab on Wheels visit.
STEP 2 - The school administration coordinates with UCOST to schedule the mobile laboratory visit and the learning sessions for the students.
STEP 3 - On the scheduled day, the mobile laboratory arrives at the campus and students take part in hands-on experiments and activities guided by trained staff.
Documents
Students should submit their documents as per the specific guidelines provided by their school authorities. Since the visit is arranged through the school, the school normally handles the coordination and any required paperwork with UCOST.
References
Lab on Wheels Mobile Science Lab - Official Page
ANI News - CM Flags Off Lab on Wheels (January 2026)
FAQ's
Who can take part in the program?
Any student or youth studying science subjects at a government or private school within any of the 13 districts of Uttarakhand can take part. The UCOST mobile science lab mainly covers students of classes 6 to 10.
Are students from private schools eligible?
Yes, students from both government and private schools can take part in the program.
How does Lab on Wheels reach remote areas?
UCOST operates mobile laboratories loaded with scientific equipment and learning materials that travel directly to schools in the remote and rural corners of Uttarakhand.
How can students apply for the program?
Students should reach out to their school teachers or principal, who will coordinate with UCOST to schedule the visit and learning sessions.
Are both boys and girls eligible to take part?
Yes, this program is open and inclusive for every student.
What is new in the 2026 Lab on Wheels?
On 29 January 2026, the Chief Minister flagged off a new Lab on Wheels under the Infosys Springboard initiative that offers training in Artificial Intelligence, coding, IoT and other emerging technology areas, and will travel across the state for five years.
How does the program benefit students in the long term?
By offering direct practical experience and exposure to complex scientific concepts, this program helps students develop scientific curiosity and stronger critical thinking skills.