Start with practicals, not a catalogue
A useful science laboratory is built around experiments, demonstrations and observations. Before ordering apparatus, identify the classes using the room, the practical list for each subject, the number of students working at one time and the equipment already in usable condition. Then prepare a subject-wise inventory and check it against the applicable board requirements.
1. Choose the right science laboratory model
The arrangement depends on the classes and subjects offered. CBSE's physical-infrastructure provision describes a composite science laboratory for the secondary level and/or separate Physics, Chemistry and Biology laboratories for senior-secondary science. It lists a minimum room size of 9 m × 6 m for each science laboratory and says the lab should be fully equipped. Confirm the school's category and current affiliation clauses before planning rooms or placing orders.
Composite science laboratory
A shared secondary-level space that organises selected physics, chemistry and biology activities. It needs a balanced inventory, subject-wise storage and a timetable so classes can use shared equipment safely.
Separate senior-secondary laboratories
Separate Physics, Chemistry and Biology rooms allow each subject to have specialist apparatus, utilities, storage and practical workflows. The school's subject offering and affiliation requirements determine the arrangement.
CBSE Circular 17/2023 directs schools to maintain laboratory facilities according to the subject-specific SOPs issued under Circular 11/2022. Those SOPs include infrastructure recommendations and minimum equipment schedules for a batch of 40 students. Use them as a reference, then reconcile the quantities with the school's actual practical programme, group rotation and existing stock.
2. Physics lab equipment for schools
Organise a physics inventory by practical theme. This helps teachers check whether the selected equipment supports mechanics, measurement, optics, electricity, magnetism, heat, waves and sound.
| Equipment group | Examples to review | Planning question |
|---|---|---|
| Measurement | Vernier callipers, screw gauges, stopwatches, measuring scales, thermometers and spirit levels | Which ranges and quantities are needed for the practical groups? |
| Mechanics | Pendulum apparatus, spring balances, weights, friction apparatus and sonometers | Can groups work without waiting for a single shared set? |
| Electricity | Ammeters, voltmeters, galvanometers, rheostats, resistance boxes, keys and meter bridges | Are the ranges, connections and power arrangements suitable? |
| Optics | Optical benches, lenses, mirrors, prisms, glass slabs and ray-optics accessories | Is there enough bench space and safe storage for glass? |
| Heat and sound | Heating apparatus, tuning forks, resonance apparatus and demonstration models | Are utilities and supervision suitable for the activities? |
The CBSE Physics Laboratory SOP's non-consumable schedule for a batch of 40 includes examples such as ammeters in different ranges, galvanometers, meter bridges, digital and manual multimeters, optical benches, prisms, rheostats, resistance coils, vernier callipers and voltmeters. Check the original schedule for its complete categories and quantities rather than relying on a generic supplier package.
Read the CBSE Physics Laboratory SOP and equipment schedule →3. Chemistry lab equipment and storage
A chemistry inventory should cover glassware, measuring equipment, balances, heating and support apparatus, reagent storage, protective equipment and waste handling. The laboratory in-charge should prepare consumables from the practical syllabus and review quantities, storage compatibility and procedures.
Glassware and measuring
Beakers, conical flasks, test tubes, measuring cylinders, burettes, pipettes, funnels, watch glasses and glass rods.
Balances and apparatus
Balances, thermometers, tripod stands, wire gauze, tongs, spatulas, test-tube holders and support stands.
Heating and demonstrations
Approved heating arrangements and apparatus selected for the practicals and room utilities.
Storage and protection
Closed, labelled chemical storage; suitable segregation; protective eyewear and gloves; and the fume-cupboard provisions specified by the SOP.
The CBSE Chemistry Laboratory SOP recommends secure chemical storage, lockable areas kept off-limits to students, suitable ventilation, a fume cupboard and appropriate safety provisions. It also advises purchasing only the smallest quantities needed, using safer substitutes where suitable and considering microscale experiments to reduce chemical use and waste.
Read the CBSE Chemistry Laboratory SOP and infrastructure schedule →4. Biology lab equipment for observation and practical work
Biology practicals rely on observation, microscopy, prepared materials, models and appropriate specimen handling. Organise the inventory around microscopy, slides, glassware, measuring tools, botany materials, anatomical models, charts and safe storage.
| Equipment group | Examples to review |
|---|---|
| Microscopy | Compound and dissecting microscopes, prepared slides, slide boxes, staining racks and cover slips |
| Glassware and tools | Beakers, conical flasks, droppers, pipettes, measuring cylinders, petri dishes, forceps and specimen containers |
| Models and charts | Anatomical models, skeleton models, biological charts and display stands |
| Botany and observation | Plant-study materials, leaf apparatus, specimens and other materials selected for scheduled practicals |
The CBSE Biology Laboratory SOP's non-consumable schedule for a batch of 40 includes microscopes, beakers, conical flasks, digital balances, forceps, funnels, petri dishes, pipette stands, prepared slides, models and laboratory coats. Check the current practical list before deciding which items and quantities are needed.
Read the CBSE Biology Laboratory SOP and equipment schedule →5. Composite science lab equipment
A composite science laboratory combines selected physics, chemistry and biology activities in one shared room. The inventory needs a balanced core of general apparatus, optics and magnets, glassware and heating accessories, microscopy materials, models, specimens and teaching displays. Store equipment by subject and activity so teachers can set up and return items without mixing materials.
The CBSE Composite Science Laboratory SOP's 40-student schedule includes assembled microscopes, test and boiling tubes, beakers, conical flasks, tripod stands, wire gauze, funnels, thermometers, mirrors, lenses, prisms, magnets, specimens, permanent slides and two laptop/desktop sets. It also includes separate consumable, specimen and slide schedules. Check the original SOP for the complete list before using its reference quantities.
Read the CBSE Composite Science Laboratory SOP and 40-student inventory →6. Plan the room and shared laboratory infrastructure
Equipment lists are only one part of a usable laboratory. The CBSE subject SOPs set out infrastructure recommendations alongside their apparatus schedules. These include a room of approximately 9 m × 6 m (about 600 sq. ft.), lockable storage for consumables and non-consumables, a demonstration table with sink and tap, seating for a batch of 40, teaching/display facilities, practical timetables and emergency contacts. Check the selected subject SOP for its individual requirements.
| Infrastructure area | Planning checks |
|---|---|
| Room and circulation | Measure the room, keep movement routes and exits clear, plan teacher supervision and position demonstration/work areas for visibility. |
| Storage | Provide lockable storage for consumables and non-consumables, with subject-wise labels and a stock register. |
| Water and demonstration | Plan the demonstration table, sink, running water, washing arrangements and student work points. |
| Heating and ventilation | Check the selected SOP for heating provisions, gas fittings, exhaust and fume-cupboard requirements; have services designed and inspected by qualified professionals. |
| Safety and notice boards | Provide visible lab rules, practical lists, timetable, emergency numbers, fire-safety provisions and first-aid access. |
| Waste handling | Define separation, temporary storage and authorised disposal routes for general, chemical, biological and broken-glass waste. |
Several subject SOP tables specify details such as 8 sinks, two heating burners, two exhaust fans and two first-aid kits. Do not treat these as a universal substitute for the applicable subject SOP, site conditions or local fire, building and safety approvals.
7. Calculate quantities from batch size, rotation and existing stock
A CBSE SOP schedule for a batch of 40 students is a useful reference point, but it should not be copied without checking how the school runs practicals. If classes attend in smaller groups, the required number of shared apparatus sets may differ. If several classes use the room in a short period, duplicate items may be needed to avoid timetable bottlenecks.
- List the experiments. Map each practical to apparatus, consumables, utilities and safety requirements.
- Set the working batch. Record students in each session and the number of groups working simultaneously.
- Decide the sharing model. Identify which items are individual, group-shared, teacher demonstration-only or common room infrastructure.
- Audit existing stock. Check quantity, condition, completeness, labels and suitability for the planned practicals.
- Separate reusable and consumable items. Estimate reusable apparatus by rotation and consumables by sessions and actual use.
- Record a reason for every quantity. Tie BOQ quantities to an experiment, student group, applicable reference or replacement need.
Simple quantity-planning example
If 40 students are split into 8 groups of 5 and an experiment needs one apparatus set per group, the initial planning requirement is 8 working sets, plus any teacher demonstration or contingency items the school decides are needed. This is an example, not a CBSE prescribed quantity.
8. Make safety and waste management part of the specification
Safety provisions must be planned before the room is used. CBSE's Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Composite Science SOPs include unobstructed exits, fire extinguishers, periodic checks of vulnerable points and electrical fittings, secure and labelled storage, suitable protective provisions, emergency arrangements, first aid and teacher supervision.
- Keep exits and access routes unobstructed; display laboratory rules and emergency contacts.
- Have gas and electrical installations designed, tested and inspected by qualified professionals.
- Provide fire-safety and first-aid arrangements appropriate to the room and applicable standards.
- Keep chemicals, specimens, tools and valuable apparatus in appropriate labelled and secured storage.
- Use the fume cupboard, ventilation and personal protective equipment required by the relevant activity and subject SOP.
- Define waste segregation and disposal procedures before experiments begin; hazardous waste must follow approved school procedures and applicable rules.
- Require teacher or authorised staff supervision during practical work.
The Chemistry SOP advises purchasing only the smallest quantities needed, considering safer substitutes and microscale experiments where suitable, and using authorised professional channels for hazardous-waste disposal. Follow the complete SOP and local rules rather than improvising chemical storage or disposal procedures.
9. Prepare a subject-wise BOQ before comparing suppliers
A bill of quantities (BOQ) makes offers comparable. It should state the item, specification, quantity, use, installation needs and supplier responsibilities. Avoid comparing laboratories by a single package price or by the number of line items alone.
| BOQ field | What to record |
|---|---|
| Subject and practical | Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Composite; name the practical or teaching activity supported. |
| Item and specification | Equipment name, range, size, material, model, capacity, accessories and required standards. |
| Quantity and unit | Number of units, sets, packs or consumable measures, with a reason for the quantity. |
| Utilities and installation | Water, drainage, power, gas, ventilation, assembly, commissioning and civil/electrical work. |
| Storage and safety | Cabinets, labels, protective equipment, fire provisions and approved waste-handling arrangements. |
| Warranty and support | Warranty, calibration/support where relevant, spare parts, repair process and service responsibility. |
| Delivery and exclusions | Packing, freight, taxes, installation, training, documentation and clearly listed exclusions. |
Ask suppliers to identify substitutions and exclusions in writing. Keep the approved BOQ as the reference document for delivery inspection and handover.
10. Inspect, hand over and maintain the laboratory
- Match delivered items, quantities, model numbers and accessories against the approved BOQ.
- Check glassware, instruments, stands, models and electrical equipment for damage and completeness.
- Record warranties, manuals, calibration documents where relevant and supplier support contacts.
- Verify that storage, labels, notice boards, safety provisions and waste arrangements are ready.
- Have responsible teachers or the laboratory in-charge review apparatus and demonstrate safe use.
- Maintain an asset register, consumables register, issue/return record and maintenance log.
- Review the practical list and equipment condition before each academic year.
Science laboratory equipment planning checklist
Use this list during the subject-teacher meeting, room survey and procurement review.
Frequently asked questions
What equipment is needed for a school science laboratory?
It depends on the subject and practical programme. Physics commonly needs measurement, mechanics, optics and electricity apparatus; Chemistry needs glassware, balances, heating and support apparatus plus appropriate storage; Biology needs microscopes, slides, glassware, models and specimen materials. A composite lab combines selected equipment from more than one subject.
Does CBSE publish minimum equipment schedules for science labs?
CBSE has subject-specific Standard Operating Procedures for Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Composite Science laboratories. These include infrastructure recommendations and equipment schedules for a batch of 40 students. Schools should verify the applicable SOP and current circulars before procurement.
Should a school use a composite lab or separate science labs?
CBSE's infrastructure provision describes a composite science lab for secondary level and/or separate Physics, Chemistry and Biology laboratories for senior-secondary science. Confirm the school's subject offering and applicable affiliation category before deciding the room model.
How should a school calculate laboratory equipment quantities?
Start with practicals, students per session, working groups, rotation and existing usable stock. Use the CBSE 40-student schedules as a reference where applicable, then document the reason for every final BOQ quantity.
What should be included in a science lab setup quotation?
Request subject-wise specifications and quantities, furniture, utilities, storage, safety provisions, installation, freight, taxes, warranty, support and any training. Ask suppliers to state exclusions and substitutions clearly.