School Computer Lab Setup: Equipment, Layout & CBSE Requirements

1. Define capacity and learning needs before buying computers

Start with the school's student strength, class timetable and the subjects that will use the room. A lab used for basic digital literacy may need a different configuration from one used for programming, computer science, design or assessment activities.

• Record the total student strength and the classes scheduled to use the laboratory.
• Estimate how many students will work at the same time and whether devices are assigned one-to-one or shared in groups.
• List the applications and practical activities planned: office work, coding, research, multimedia, assessments or subject-specific software.
• Inventory usable computers, monitors, peripherals, furniture, network equipment and UPS units already owned by the school.
• Measure the room and check electrical capacity, internet availability, ventilation, lighting and existing cable routes.
• Identify who will administer devices, manage accounts, supervise practical classes and maintain the equipment.

Turn this information into a written requirement brief. It should state the number and type of workstations, expected users, software, network design, power requirements and what can be reused. This becomes the basis for a fair comparison of supplier quotations.

2. Check the applicable CBSE computer-lab requirements

CBSE issued revised digital-infrastructure norms in Circular No. 09/2025 dated 2 July 2025 and amended Clauses 4.4.1 and 4.4.3 of its Affiliation Bye-Laws on 31 July 2025. For a CBSE-affiliated school, use the dated 2025 circulars when planning the number of computer systems and lab capacity.

The 31 July 2025 notification amends Clause 4.4.1 to require a minimum of 40 computers and a computer-to-student ratio of 1:18. It also revises Clause 4.4.3: at least one computer lab is required for school strength up to 720 students, with one additional lab for every further group of up to 720 students. Treat the device ratio and the number of rooms as separate planning checks; confirm the school's exact affiliation category and current interpretation before finalising the BOQ.

Circular 09/2025 also specifies a single LAN network connecting the computer systems, audio-video input/output such as webcams and speakers, at least one high-configuration server for assessment or examination purposes, data backup, high-speed internet, at least two printers and two scanners per computer lab, UPS support for all computer systems, and licensed software including antivirus and other security systems.

The CBSE infrastructure webpage currently visible online still displays the earlier 20-computer, 1:20 and 800-student figures. Those figures conflict with the later dated 2025 circulars. For workstation counts, use the subsequent 2025 circular and amendment, and check for any newer CBSE notice before procurement. The same infrastructure page lists a minimum computer-lab room size of 9 m × 6 m (approximately 600 sq. ft.) and refers to cyber-safety provisions and teacher supervision.

This is a planning summary, not an affiliation or compliance certificate. CBSE rules can change; the school should verify the latest applicable bye-laws, circulars and instructions with the Board before ordering equipment or modifying a building.

3. Choose computers against the curriculum and the CBSE configuration schedule

Select devices only after the school has listed the applications and teaching tasks. A system used for browser-based learning and basic office work may have a different workload from a machine used for programming, media work or specialist applications. The July 2025 CBSE Circular No. 09/2025 includes revised configurations in Annexure A.

The circular has separate laptop and server configurations. For laptops it lists an 11.6-inch or larger display, a lock and carrying case, webcam and backup drive. For the server it specifies Linux or licensed Windows 10 or above, an Intel Core i7 with 16 GB RAM or an Intel Xeon D/E/W series with at least eight CPU cores, at least 16 GB RAM, and the storage options stated in the annexure. Review the annexure directly before writing technical specifications into a tender.

Do not quote only a processor name. Specify the exact device class, processor tier, RAM, storage, display, operating system, webcam, warranty and the software workload each system must support. Ask suppliers to identify model numbers and any substitutions in writing.

4. Design the network, internet and power as one system

A school computer lab needs predictable connectivity and power. A fast internet plan alone does not solve a poorly designed local network or inadequate electrical capacity. Prepare a network and electrical drawing before installation.

• Connect the planned computer systems through a single LAN network, as specified in CBSE Circular 09/2025.
• Plan managed network switches, structured cabling, patch panels, rack space and router/firewall capacity for the actual number of devices.
• Provide high-speed internet through an appropriate leased-line or Wi-Fi arrangement, with coverage and capacity tested at the workstations.
• Size the UPS to support all computer systems in the lab, and confirm the expected backup duration and battery maintenance plan.
• Check distribution boards, circuit protection, surge protection, earthing, socket count and cable routing with a qualified electrical professional.
• Plan cloud-based or physical backup for school data and define who is responsible for restoring it.
• Include the server and printers/scanners in the network and power design where required.

Ask the installer to label network points and electrical circuits, document the switch and rack layout, and hand over a simple network diagram. This makes future fault-finding and expansion easier.

5. Plan furniture, seating and room layout

The CBSE infrastructure page lists a minimum computer-lab room size of 9 m × 6 m (approximately 600 sq. ft.). Within the available room, plan the desk layout around actual device count, student movement, teacher visibility and safe access to exits.

• Choose single-user or shared desks based on the timetable and student grouping plan.
• Keep the teacher workstation positioned to supervise screens and student activity.
• Allow practical access to exits, the UPS, distribution board, rack and emergency equipment.
• Provide cable management so power and data cables do not cross walking routes.
• Check desk height, chair adjustment, monitor position, glare, lighting and ventilation.
• Keep space for the server, printer/scanner, storage and any teaching display without blocking student circulation.
• Consider accessibility and the needs of students who use assistive technologies or adapted workstations.

Prepare a scaled room plan with desk dimensions, aisle widths, socket points, network outlets, teacher position and equipment locations. Verify the final layout on site before furniture is manufactured or delivered.

6. Plan licensed software, device management and cyber safety

Software should match the school's curriculum and the work students are expected to do. CBSE Circular 09/2025 calls for licensed software, including antivirus and other security systems, and its Annexure A describes device-management capabilities.

CBSE's infrastructure provisions also refer to cyber-safety arrangements and student use under teacher supervision. Schools should have acceptable-use rules, supervised access, data-handling procedures and a process for reporting security incidents.

7. Prepare an itemised BOQ and compare complete quotations

Avoid comparing suppliers on a single per-computer price. A complete school computer-lab project may include hardware, networking, power, furniture, software, installation, configuration and training. Each quotation should make inclusions and exclusions clear.

Request model numbers, quantities, technical datasheets, warranty terms, service arrangements, delivery timelines, taxes and freight. Ask suppliers to list any work the school must arrange separately, such as civil work, air conditioning, electrical upgrades or internet service. A site survey and itemised BOQ are more reliable than a generic package price.

8. Install, test and commission before students use the lab

• Verify delivered quantities, model numbers and accessories against the approved BOQ.
• Check the room layout, furniture stability, cable management and access to exits.
• Test every workstation, peripheral, network point, internet connection and server.
• Test UPS operation and confirm that all required systems receive backup power.
• Install licensed software, updates, security controls, user accounts and backup routines.
• Confirm teacher supervision arrangements, student-use rules and cyber-safety settings.
• Record serial numbers, asset tags, warranties, licences, passwords handover procedure and support contacts securely.
• Train teachers and the designated lab administrator on routine operation and fault reporting.

9. Maintain the computer lab after handover

A laboratory is not complete when the equipment is delivered. Assign clear ownership for updates, backups, inventory and support so computers remain usable throughout the academic year.

• Maintain an asset register with serial numbers, location, warranty and repair history.
• Keep operating systems, browsers, applications and security tools supported and updated.
• Monitor storage capacity, UPS batteries, network health and recurring faults.
• Test data backups and document how files can be restored.
• Review user access, software licences and student-use policies periodically.
• Schedule cleaning and equipment inspection without exposing devices to liquids or unsafe handling.
• Review the lab inventory before each academic year and plan replacements from actual usage data.

School computer lab setup checklist

Use this summary during the planning meeting, site survey and procurement review.

Frequently asked questions