OIL Expands Jigyasa Initiative Sets Up ISRO-Certified STEM Labs in Rural Schools Across Northeast India
In a significant step toward enhancing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education in rural India, Oil India Limited (OIL) has scaled up its flagship educational outreach programme Project Jigyasa by establishing ISRO-certified STEM laboratories in rural government schools across the Northeastern states.
Project Jigyasa was originally launched by OIL under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) framework to bridge educational gaps and nurture curiosity, creativity, and innovation among students from underserved communities. It focuses on bringing hands-on, technology-driven learning environments to regions where access to advanced scientific resources is limited.
In the 2025–26 financial year, this expanded phase of the initiative has led to the inauguration of state-of-the-art STEM labs aligned with technical guidance from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). These labs are now operational in select government schools throughout Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and other Northeastern states, equipping students with immersive tools and experiences that go beyond traditional classroom teaching.
The introduction of ISRO-certified laboratories in rural schools signals a growing emphasis on experimental science and real-world problem-solving, rather than rote textbook learning. By incorporating advanced equipment and practical modules, the labs aim to foster scientific temper and awaken interest in cutting-edge fields such as robotics, space science, and computational thinking skills that are increasingly relevant in the modern economy.
Project Jigyasa also includes specialised teacher training components, ensuring that educators are equipped to leverage the new resources effectively and guide students through inquiry-based learning. The curricula and activities within these labs are designed to develop not only knowledge of scientific concepts but also critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration competencies prized in 21st-century education.
The initiative reflects a broader national push, consistent with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, to ensure equitable access to quality STEM education for all students, including those in geographically remote or economically disadvantaged regions. By enhancing infrastructure and pedagogy in rural schools, OIL’s programme is helping to democratise opportunities in science and technology, offering students early exposure to subject areas that were traditionally accessible only in urban, well-resourced institutions.
Stakeholders believe that this expansion will help inspire a new generation of learners to pursue careers in science, engineering, and research fields that play a pivotal role in India’s developmental goals. By bringing advanced STEM labs to the heart of rural communities, Project Jigyasa seeks not only to improve academic outcomes in Science and Mathematics but also to spark transformational change motivating students to imagine themselves as innovators, technologists, and future leaders in the rapidly evolving global landscape of science and technology.
Through this effort, OIL reinforces its commitment to inclusive education and community development, leveraging partnerships with organisations such as ISRO and local educational bodies to equip young minds with tools that pave the way for lifelong learning and curiosity-driven exploration.
