Case Study: Building a School’s IT Infrastructure in India with ₹1 Lakh Budget
Introduction
In today’s digital-first world, schools across India are embracing technology to enhance learning and streamline administration. But what happens when the budget is limited? This case study explores how a mid-sized school in Uttar Pradesh successfully set up a functional IT infrastructure with just ₹1,00,000 (1 lakh INR) — proving that smart planning and prioritization can make technology accessible even on a tight budget.
Objectives of the Project
Enable digital learning in classrooms
Provide teachers with reliable tools for lesson planning
Establish a basic but secure network for administration
Ensure scalability for future upgrades
Budget Allocation Breakdown 💰
Component | Cost (Approx.) | Details |
|---|---|---|
Desktop PCs (5 units) | ₹40,000 | Entry-level systems for labs & admin |
Projector + Screen | ₹15,000 | For smart classroom setup |
Wi-Fi Router & Switch | ₹8,000 | Reliable internet connectivity |
Basic Server (NAS) | ₹12,000 | Centralized storage for documents |
Printers & Scanners | ₹10,000 | Essential for admin tasks |
Software Licenses | ₹10,000 | OS, office suite, antivirus |
Miscellaneous | ₹5,000 | Cables, UPS, peripherals |
Total: ₹1,00,000
Implementation Strategy 🚀
Smart Classroom Setup
One projector connected to a desktop PC created an affordable digital classroom.
Teachers used free/open-source educational tools alongside licensed office software.
Computer Lab & Administration
Four desktops were placed in the lab for student use.
One desktop was dedicated to administrative tasks like fee management and record keeping.
Networking & Storage
A Wi-Fi router ensured connectivity across the campus.
A basic NAS server allowed centralized storage of lesson plans, student records, and exam papers.
Security & Maintenance
Antivirus software was installed on all systems.
Regular backups were scheduled to prevent data loss.
Outcomes & Benefits 🌟
Enhanced Learning: Students accessed digital content, improving engagement.
Teacher Productivity: Lesson planning became more efficient with shared resources.
Administrative Efficiency: Fee records, attendance, and exam results were digitized.
Scalability: The infrastructure was designed to allow future upgrades (e.g., adding more PCs or smart boards).
Key Lessons Learned
Prioritize essentials first: Focus on core teaching and admin needs before advanced tech.
Leverage open-source software: Saves costs while providing robust functionality.
Plan for scalability: Even a small setup should allow future expansion.
Conclusion
This case study demonstrates that with ₹1 lakh INR, schools in India can establish a foundational IT infrastructure that supports both learning and administration. By balancing affordability with functionality, institutions can take meaningful steps toward digital transformation without straining their budgets.