IIT Gandhinagar and CBSE Relaunch 3030 Eklavya Online Teachers’ Programme to Revolutionize STEM Education in India
The Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN), in collaboration with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), has relaunched the 3030 Eklavya online teachers’ education programme (Season 3, Phase 2), beginning August 15, 2025. This widely acclaimed initiative seeks to revolutionize STEM education across India by making teaching more engaging, creative, and meaningful, thereby enhancing conceptual understanding and critical thinking among teachers and students alike.
A Massive Reach and Impact on Teacher Training
The 3030 Eklavya programme is regarded as one of the largest online capacity-building initiatives for teachers, having amassed over 2 crore online views to date. The weekly series, streamed every Sunday, is specially designed to fill a significant gap in India’s education system—the prevalent reliance on rote learning, which limits students' exposure to hands-on exploration and creative problem-solving.
Through its engaging format, the programme helps educators transform their classrooms into interactive spaces that encourage inquiry-based learning, aligning closely with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Season 3, Phase 2: Hands-On Learning with Creative Tools
The latest phase kicked off with an episode on Computational Thinking using the taraju (weighing balance). This episode introduced teachers to the fundamentals of digital technologies through unplugged, hands-on activities using everyday objects such as paper, dominoes, playing cards, water, and pulleys to build simple DIY computers. Such creative teaching methods empower educators to explain complex STEM concepts without relying heavily on digital devices.
The second episode focused on the fascinating world of enzymes, highlighting their role as natural catalysts that facilitate life’s essential chemical reactions. This episode further explored how environmental factors affect enzyme activity, bringing biology concepts to life with practical insights.
Impressive Participation and Engagement Metrics
IITGN reports that so far in Season 3, the 3030 Eklavya and 3030 STEM series have collectively attracted over 65,000 registrations, with previous seasons drawing close to 80,000 registrations each. The programme has also received more than 25,000 project submissions and assignments from participants, reflecting an increasing demand for interactive and practical teacher training formats.
These figures underscore the eagerness of educators across the country to embrace innovative pedagogical approaches that foster deeper understanding and curiosity among students.
Designed to Align with NEP 2020 and Support Professional Growth
The 3030 Eklavya initiative is carefully aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, which emphasizes experiential learning, critical thinking, and creativity in education. The programme offers 30 hours of professional development training, allowing teachers to upgrade their skills in line with modern educational needs.
While registration for the programme is free, a nominal fee is charged for those who wish to obtain certification upon completion. This flexible structure makes it accessible to a broad range of educators, encouraging widespread participation.
Shaping a Future-Ready STEM Curriculum
By integrating creativity and hands-on activities into STEM teaching, the 3030 Eklavya programme is helping to shift the educational landscape from memorization to meaningful learning experiences. IITGN officials emphasize that this approach is not only more enjoyable for students but also prepares them better for the challenges of the future by fostering innovation and problem-solving skills.
The programme’s use of everyday materials and “unplugged” activities ensures that STEM concepts can be taught even in resource-constrained settings, making the initiative especially valuable for schools in rural and underserved areas.
Looking Ahead: Expanding the Impact
With its successful track record and growing engagement, the 3030 Eklavya programme is poised to continue influencing STEM education across India. By equipping teachers with effective tools and methodologies, IITGN and CBSE are helping build a generation of students who are curious, creative, and capable of critical thinking.
This partnership exemplifies how technology, innovation, and pedagogy can converge to create a more dynamic, equitable, and future-ready education system.
For teachers interested in participating or learning more about the 3030 Eklavya programme, details and registration links are available on the official IIT Gandhinagar and CBSE websites.
Conclusion:
The relaunch of the 3030 Eklavya online teachers’ education programme marks a significant milestone in India's journey toward transforming STEM education. By making curriculum delivery more engaging and practical, IIT Gandhinagar and CBSE are paving the way for a learning environment where students not only acquire knowledge but also develop the skills necessary to innovate and thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
