IS 8827:1978 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for recommendations for basic requirements of school buildings. This standard provides recommendations for the functional requirements of school buildings, including site selection, space planning, area norms per student, and services. It covers facilities from nursery to higher secondary levels to ensure a safe, healthy, and conducive learning environment.
Recommendations for basic requirements of school buildings
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
| Parameter | IS Value | International | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classroom Area per Pupil (Secondary) | Approx. 1.13 m² per pupil (based on 45.36 m² for 40 pupils) | Approx. 2.0 m² per pupil (based on a typical 60 m² classroom for 30 pupils) | Building Bulletin 103 (UK practice) |
| Window Area for Lighting | Prescriptive: At least 20% of the floor area. | Performance-based: Specifies metrics like an average Daylight Factor of >2% or minimum illuminance of 300 lux on desks. | General UK/EU best practice |
| Main Corridor Width (Minimum) | 2.4 meters | 2.3 to 3.0 meters (depending on presence and location of lockers) | Building Bulletin 103 (UK) |
| Water Closets (WCs) per Male Student | 1 per 100 boys | 1 per 35 males | IBC 2021 (Table 2902.1) |
| Urinals per Male Student | 1 per 25 boys | Not explicitly mandated; can be substituted for up to 67% of required WCs. | IBC 2021 (Sec. 2902.1.1) |
| Drinking Water Fountains per Student | 1 per 50 pupils | 1 per 100 occupants (pupils, staff, etc.) | IBC 2021 (Table 2902.1) |
| Stair Tread and Riser (School) | Tread: 250 mm, Riser: 190 mm (max) | Tread: 280 mm (min), Riser: 180 mm (max) | IBC 2021 (Sec. 1011.5.2 for Group E) |