VR labs have expanded to about 2,500 Indian schools, including government institutions in smaller cities.
NCERT’s XR pilot reached 89 million students and recorded a 93 % teacher approval rate.
Virtual labs reduce costs and help schools without physical labs offer practical learning experiences.
Soon, you may find students in government schools in Gorakhpur, Sindri (Dhanbad), wearing virtual reality (VR) headsets for learning and education. At least that’s what Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan (HURL) plans to do. The government-promoted joint venture has announced Project PRAYAS to set up Virtual Reality Labs, as reported by APAC Media.
These Labs will be set up in nine government schools in Gorakhpur, Dhanbad, and Begusarai. This future of education is here, and it’s not just about elite private schools anymore. VR is coming to regular Indian classrooms, but could it have a real impact here, or will this end up being just a marketed fantasy of a digital future? Let’s delve deep to find out!
VR adoption in Indian schools is growing rapidly. According to Eklavvya, a skill-based assessment platform, as of 2024, around 2,500 schools in India now have VR labs for teaching science, history, and geography. The growth is happening both in suburban cities and smaller and rural towns, as government programs have lowered hardware costs.
What changed? The National Education Policy 2020 pushed schools to move away from memorisation and toward hands-on learning. At the same time, Digital India initiatives offered funding and support for schools to buy this technology. These two factors together created the right conditions for VR to grow quickly in Indian schools.
India faces some tough education challenges that VR can actually help with. Consider the classroom size issue. According to an India Today report, over 33 lakh students depended on single-teacher schools in India during 2024-2025. With classrooms this crowded, teachers struggle to give each student personal attention. VR programs can provide extra support and adapt to each student's learning speed.
Language barriers are another problem. Educational VR content is now available in 12 Indian languages, with plans to expand to all 22 official languages soon. This matters in a country where many students find it hard to learn in languages they don't speak at home.
Perhaps most importantly, VR helps schools that can't afford expensive equipment. A complete science lab costs lakhs of rupees and needs ongoing maintenance. Virtual labs cost much less and give students the same learning experiences. A single VR headset can be worn by many students to explore the same subject, cutting operational costs.
One major shift has been the creation of VR content made specifically for Indian education. Early on, schools tried using foreign VR programs. However, students struggled to connect with unfamiliar examples and accents.
Now, Indian companies develop VR lessons that align with NCERT textbooks. Students learn math through Indian architecture, study science in familiar settings, and experience the country’s history firsthand. This localisation has been key to getting both teachers and students to accept and use VR.
These programs are designed to help students prepare for board exams, in turn becoming practical tools rather than just being interesting gadgets.
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Virtual reality is already being tested in classrooms and training centres around the world. Real-life example, Meta’s Oculus Quest headsets have been used in colleges to support language learning, soft skills training, and history lessons.
Microsoft’s HoloLens has also been used in education and training since 2019. In healthcare education, it has helped nursing students understand procedures through guided visual lessons. In science education, mixed-reality tools have been used to explain complex topics that are hard to show in physical classrooms.
Apple Vision Pro, a gadget that blends virtual and augmented reality, is also being used globally in classrooms. Its ability to work with the company’s existing products like iPads and MacBooks, makes it easier for schools already using Apple’s ecosystem. This takes away the hassle of changing an educational institute’s entire setup.
There are platforms like Nearpod VR focusing solely on education. They offer ready-made lessons, including virtual tours and interactive math and science topics. This reduces the pressure on teachers to create content and allows them to focus on teaching.
These global examples show that VR can work in education when it is used with clear goals. For Indian schools, this means VR does not need to replace classrooms or teachers. It can be used in short sessions to explain tough topics, support practical learning, or expose students to places and ideas they may never see in real life.
When VR gadgets are available at affordable prices with a simple interface, similar models could be adapted for Indian classrooms, especially in senior classes, skill-based training, and science education. One such example is NCERT’s XR pilot, an Indian program that reached 89 million students, with a 93% educator approval rate as noted by Qodequay Technologies, a global IT service provider.
Despite its promise, VR is not easy to adopt. Cost remains a big hurdle. Headsets, software, and upkeep can be expensive for many schools. Strong internet access and safe physical spaces are also needed. Without proper planning, VR may remain limited to a few schools. Teacher training is another key concern. Short workshops and easy-to-use platforms can help teachers blend VR into regular lessons instead of treating it as an extra burden.
Student safety must come first. VR sessions should be short and supervised to avoid eye strain or discomfort. Schools should set clear rules, especially for younger students. When used in moderation, VR can support learning without health risks.
Around 50% of Indian schools are expected to adopt AR or VR by 2027, according to a report by The Asian School, a CBSE-affiliated institute. The report further notes that the education VR market in India is projected to grow from $1.72 billion in 2025 to $5.68 billion by 2031. This growth means more investment in creating VR content and better adaptation to Indian curricula.
Indian companies like Jio and Tata are working on affordable VR devices built to solve issues like dust resistance, heat, and rough handling. The spread of 5G networks will solve many connectivity problems, especially in rural areas where internet speed has limited VR use.
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The growth of VR in Indian schools is happening because it solves real problems at scale. It improves student engagement, strengthens understanding, and makes quality education more accessible. As policies, technology, and demand align, immersive learning is shifting from optional to a must-have in Indian education.
For a country balancing traditional values with modern needs, VR offers a bridge. It honours cultural heritage while preparing students for a future that will demand adaptability and creativity. However, Virtual reality is not a quick fix, even though it has strong potential. It works best as a support tool alongside human teachers and textbooks. When the technology becomes cheaper and easily available, VR could become more common in Indian schools.
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1. What is virtual reality learning in Indian schools?
Virtual reality learning uses headsets and digital simulations to help students experience lessons visually. In Indian schools, VR is mainly used for science experiments, history lessons, and geography concepts that are hard to show through textbooks alone.
2. Are government schools in India using VR?
Yes, government schools are beginning to adopt VR through pilot programs and CSR projects. For example, Project PRAYAS is setting up VR labs in government schools in Gorakhpur, Dhanbad, and Begusarai, showing that VR is not limited to private schools.
3. How does VR help students learn better?
VR helps students understand complex topics by showing them visually and interactively. Instead of memorising facts, students can explore virtual labs or historical sites, which improves attention, understanding, and long-term recall.
4. What challenges stop VR from reaching all schools?
The main challenges are cost, internet access, electricity reliability, and teacher training. While prices have fallen, many rural schools still struggle with basic infrastructure, making large-scale VR adoption slower than expected.
5. Will VR replace teachers or textbooks in India?
No, VR is not meant to replace teachers or textbooks. It works best as a support tool. Teachers remain central to learning, while VR helps explain difficult topics and offers experiences that classrooms alone cannot provide.