What is the recommended classroom area per student?

Approximately 1.1 m² per pupil for higher secondary schools. It varies for primary and nursery levels (Tables 1, 2, 3).

What is the minimum required playground area?

It depends on the school's strength. For about 1000 pupils, 1.0 to 1.5 hectares is recommended (Clause 3.2.3).

How many toilets are required for students?

For girls: 1 WC per 40 pupils. For boys: 1 WC per 80 pupils. (Table 7)

What is the minimum illumination level for a classroom?

A minimum of 150 lux is recommended for classrooms, libraries, and laboratories (Table 6).

IS 8827

: 1978

Recommendations for basic requirements of school buildings

CurrentFrequently UsedGuidelinesBIMArchitectural · Functional Requirements in Buildings

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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

Quick Reference Values

Min classroom area per pupil (Secondary)1.1 m²

Min clear height of classroom3.0 m

Min playground area for 1000 pupils1.0-1.5 ha

Recommended illumination for classrooms150 lux

WC requirement for girl students1 per 40 pupils

WC requirement for boy students1 per 80 pupils

Min window area to floor area ratio1/5 (20%)

Practical Notes

Many provisions of this code have been updated and are covered more extensively in the National Building Code of India (SP 7), which should be consulted concurrently.

Local municipal bye-laws and education board norms (e.g., CBSE, State Boards) may have more stringent requirements that supersede these recommendations.

The space norms provided are minimums; modern pedagogical needs may require more flexible and generous spaces than specified.