Tamil Nadu government runs Vanavil Mandram Scheme 2026 as an ongoing school programme that helps students of classes 6 to 8 learn Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The scheme was launched by former Chief Minister M K Stalin on 28 November 2022 with 100 mobile science and mathematics laboratories flagged off for government schools.
Vanavil Mandram (Rainbow forum) is a continuing education scheme of the Tamil Nadu School Education Department. It is meant to build a scientific temper among government school students and encourage them to learn STEM subjects through practical experiments and hands-on activities.
Vanavil Mandram (Rainbow forum) is a unique scheme to foster scientific interest among school students. The scheme was launched by former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on 28 November 2022. It is aimed at promoting interest among the students of standards 6 to 8 to learn Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
At the launch, the former Chief Minister flagged off 100 mobile science and mathematics laboratories on behalf of the School Education Department to stimulate the scientific temper among students. These mobile labs teach students science experiments and mathematics on a monthly basis with proper guidance, and display science tools made by students.
Vanavil Mandram scheme is being implemented at an estimated cost of Rs. 25 crore to benefit 25 lakh government school students in 13,210 schools across the state. Earlier, former Chief Minister M K Stalin visited classrooms where science experiments were conducted by the students under the guidance of the teachers and interacted with them.
Special training has been given to teachers who expressed interest in taking part in the Vanavil Mandram programme across the state. These teachers share the methods they have used so far in teaching and provide suggestions for continued implementation of the programme.
About 710 STEM facilitators have been selected across Tamil Nadu to implement the Vanavil Mandram programme so that they can act as mobile science and mathematics experimenters. They guide students of 6th to 8th standard in conducting simple science experiments.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Vanavil Mandram Scheme |
| Launched By | Former Chief Minister M K Stalin |
| Beneficiaries | Government school students of classes 6 to 8 |
| Benefit | STEM learning through mobile science and mathematics labs |
| Budget | Rs. 25 crore |
| Official Website | tanscst.tn.gov.in |
How the scheme works
The Vanavil Mandram programme runs through mobile STEM laboratories that visit government schools on a fixed schedule. Students get to perform science experiments and learn mathematics in a practical way, which is different from regular classroom teaching.
- Mobile STEM labs visit schools every month and conduct science and mathematics sessions for students of classes 6 to 8.
- Trained STEM facilitators guide the students and help them display the science tools and models they have made.
- The programme also runs school and district level science competitions under the Vanavil Mandram banner every academic year.
Students who want to take part in the Vanavil Mandram activities can contact their school teachers or the school education department. The programme is open to government school students of classes 6 to 8, and interested students are selected by their schools for the STEM sessions and competitions.
FAQ's
Who can join the Vanavil Mandram Scheme?
Government school students studying in classes 6 to 8 can take part in the Vanavil Mandram programme. Students are selected by their schools for the STEM sessions and competitions.
Is the Vanavil Mandram Scheme still running in 2026?
Yes, Vanavil Mandram is an ongoing programme of the Tamil Nadu School Education Department. It continues to run school and district level competitions and STEM activities for students.
What is the cost of the Vanavil Mandram Scheme?
The scheme is being implemented at an estimated cost of Rs. 25 crore to benefit 25 lakh government school students in 13,210 schools.
Source / Reference Link: Times of India report on the launch of STEM labs on wheels and TANSCST official page on STEM activities for school children.