Despite strong policy intent and growing budgets, smart classroom adoption in India remains uneven. with the 9 1,900 crores In the financial year 2024-25, allocation has been made under Samgra Shiksha, specifically for smart classes. 24.4% Indian schools There are currently functional smart classrooms. Adoption remains significantly lower in states with high concentrations of Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
The challenge is clear. Infrastructure alone does not improve learning outcomes. Schools need trained teachers, curriculum-aligned content, offline access, and ongoing monitoring to turn hardware into real educational impact.
When implemented thoughtfully, Smart Classrooms help schools in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, bridge the educational gap by enabling interactive instruction, provide appropriate Teacher support and trainingaligning digital learning with existing curricula, and ensuring consistency Student engagementeven in low connectivity environments.
How Smart Classrooms Help Schools in Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities Bridge Education Gaps
Compared to Tier 1 cities, Tier 2 and 3 city schools face a unique mix of challenges including limited availability of teachers, inconsistent infrastructure, and uneven access to quality educational resources. At the same time, the aspirations and digital penetration of parents in small towns are increasing. This is where smart classrooms benefit public schools and affordable private institutions.
Why Smart Classrooms Matter in Tier 2 and 3 Cities
Below are some of the key benefits and implications of smart classrooms:
- Bridging the urban-rural divide in education: Smart classrooms Give students access to high-quality, curriculum-aligned digital lessons and expertly designed content. This makes it a level playing field for students in Tier 2 and 3 cities.
- Improving engagement and retention: Visual explanations, animations, and simulations help students understand abstract concepts more effectively than traditional chalk-and-board methods.
- Supporting personalized and adaptive learning: With integrated data-driven insights, teachers can easily track student understanding, quickly identify gaps, and adjust instruction without increasing their workload.
- Development of future-ready skills: Exposure to digital learning builds confidence, digital literacy, problem-solving skills, and collaborative skills for higher education and employment.
- Empowering teachers, not replacing them: Smart classrooms provide ready-to-use lesson resources and assessment insights, helping teachers focus on instruction rather than preparation.
- Ensuring access and inclusion: Offline digital content for schools, multilingual support, and low-power configurations ensure continuity of learning despite Internet or power challenges.
- Alignment with national policy priorities: Actions under Daksha and NEP 2020 Encourage technology-enabled, competency-based learning, especially in non-metro areas.
Types of smart classrooms suitable for Tier 2 and 3 cities
To ensure that smart classrooms are adopted and accepted in Indian schools, it is important to understand that not all schools need the same smart classroom setup. It depends on available connections, budget constraints, and teacher preparation.
Here are some types of smart classrooms that suit most Tier 2 and 3 city schools.
Standard smart classroom
A projector, a basic computing device, and digital content form a very affordable entry point. This model works best for schools starting their digital journey with minimal infrastructure upgrades.
Interactive Board/IFP Classroom
Interactive flat panels enable real-time interpretation, multimedia integration, and high student participation. They are ideal for schools where teachers are comfortable using technology on a daily basis.
Hybrid or blended classrooms
These types of smart classrooms combine in-person instruction with recorded or live digital lessons, making them suitable for teacher shortages or multi-section schools.
Immersive AR/VR Classrooms
Primarily used for labs and visualization in senior classes, this model works best as a supplemental tool rather than a primary requirement.
AI-enabled, data-driven classrooms
Advanced setups use learning analytics to support instructional planning, but only work effectively when teachers are trained to interpret the insights.
How to prepare Tier 2 and 3 schools for smart classrooms
A successful rollout of adopting smart classrooms in India requires more than just installing screens and devices. Tier 2 and Tier 3 schools benefit most when implementation of smart classrooms is phased, realistic and closely aligned with teacher preparation, infrastructure constraints and curriculum requirements.
Step 1: Infrastructure assessment
Schools should start by auditing existing classrooms for power availability, room size, device availability, and Internet reliability. For Tier 2 and Tier 3 contexts, planning for offline digital content, backup power, and low-bandwidth operation for schools continues learning despite infrastructure limitations.
Step 2: Teacher training and professional development
Teacher training that advocates the use of smart classrooms is critical to successful technology implementation. Training should focus on classroom learning, lesson integration, and student engagement rather than just operating hardware, so teachers feel confident using technology as a teaching aid.
Step 3: Planning the curriculum and content
Digital content has to be carefully mapped to state boards, CBSE, or ICSE curricula to avoid classroom disconnection. Schools should prioritize Diksha/NEP 2020 alignment, regional language support, and offline accessible resources so that smart classrooms enhance rather than disrupt daily learning.
Step 4: Scheduling and Usage Policy
Smart classrooms should be integrated into school timetables across subjects and grade levels. Clear usage policies prevent underuse and ensure that Smart Classrooms support regular instruction rather than being reserved for occasional demonstrations.
Step 5: Monitoring and evaluation
Regular monitoring helps schools understand and maximize the benefits of smart classrooms, especially for public schools and private institutions. Usage data, teacher feedback, and indicators of key learning outcomes should be reviewed periodically to improve classroom practices.
Step 6: Planning for recovery and stability
Long-term success depends on planning maintenance, spare equipment, and refresher training. Allocating a small annual budget for maintenance ensures that smart classrooms remain functional, relevant and effective beyond the initial implementation phase.
What are the common challenges hindering smart classroom adoption in India?
Tier 2 and 3 schools often face predictable challenges, which can be proactively addressed to better adopt smart classrooms in India.
- Power and Internet Issues: Offline-first content, scheduled data syncing, and backup power solutions reduce dependence on a constant connection.
- Endotrachealization after installation: Ongoing professional development, peer coaching, and leadership support keep classrooms active.
- Content Misunderstanding: Syllabus mapping, regional language support, and Daksha integration improve compatibility.
- Equality and Inclusion Concerns: Gender-sensitive access, support for disadvantaged learners, and structured usage policies ensure equitable participation.
How Xtramarks can help schools effectively implement smart classrooms
Smart classrooms deliver results only when technology, teaching and assessment work together. Xtermark Smart Class Plus is designed to support teachers by keeping them firmly in control of classroom instruction.
- Improved learning outcomes supported by school-level evidence: According to the XtraMarks Impact Assessment Survey (August-September 2024), 71 percent of principals reported improvement on board exams after implementing XtraMarks solutions, demonstrating that structured digital instruction and practice directly supports academic achievement.
- Strong conceptual understanding for students: 85% of students shared that the ExtraMarks Classroom Practice Tests helped them understand the concepts better. Visual explanations, questions related to the curriculum, and repeated exercises make complex topics easier to understand, especially in mixed-ability classrooms.
- Clear visibility into the learning gap for teachers: 92% of teachers said that Xtramarks helped them more accurately identify students’ weak areas and provide accurate feedback. This allows teachers to intervene early rather than reacting after the assessment.
By focusing on teacher competency, student understanding, and measurable educational impact, Xtremarks helps schools implement smart classrooms that actually bridge. Learning differencesrather than simply digitizing classrooms.
Frequently Asked Questions (General Questionnaire)
Teachers need pedagogy-based training that demonstrates how digital tools support instruction, assessment, and student engagement.
A standard smart classroom with projector-based content is the most practical starting point for schools on a budget.
Schools should start with a pilot classroom, offline developed materials, and structured teacher training before scaling up.
Last updated on January 17, 2026
Priya Kapoor | AVP – Academics
Priya Kapoor is an education professional with over 18 years of experience in a variety of fields, including elearning, digital and print publishing, instructional design, and content strategy. As the AVP – Education Specialist, she guides the academic teams in developing tailored educational solutions, ensuring alignment with various curricula across national and international platforms…Read more
