WEQSC School Affiliation Framework — Institutional Edition v1.0

Part III — Operating Standards Chapter 9 — Infrastructure Requirements

Chapter 9 Infrastructure Requirements

This chapter sets out the physical infrastructure standards an Affiliated School must maintain. It is divided into general requirements applicable to all schools, and specific requirements for the three science laboratories mandatory for ISCED Level 3. The laboratory specifications are drawn from the CBSE senior secondary practical syllabus and mapped to ISCED Level 3 learning outcomes.

9.1 General Principle

9.1.1 An Affiliated School must maintain, throughout the Affiliation Cycle, the physical infrastructure declared in its application and approved by the Affiliation Committee. Reduction in infrastructure without prior written approval constitutes a Breach.

9.1.2 Infrastructure is verified through the annual compliance audit under Chapter 28. Where audit identifies a deficiency, the School is subject to the remediation ladder in Chapter 28.

9.1.3 All infrastructure must comply with the building, fire, and public health requirements of the Local Education Authority. Where local requirements are silent, the standards in this chapter apply.

9.2 General Physical Requirements (All Schools)

9.2.1 Classrooms. The School must provide at least one classroom per forty students enrolled in the classes proposed for affiliation, or such lesser number as corresponds to the School's actual student-teacher ratio, whichever is lower. Each classroom must have adequate natural or artificial lighting, ventilation, and seating for the number of students assigned to it.

9.2.2 Library. The School must maintain a functional library or resource centre containing not fewer than five hundred volumes, including reference works supporting the WISE Curriculum Framework. The library must be accessible to students during school hours.

9.2.3 Sanitation. The School must provide clean drinking water and functional sanitation facilities, with separate facilities for male and female students, and hand-washing facilities. Facilities must be maintained in working order at all times.

9.2.4 Safety. The School must maintain fire extinguishers appropriate to the risks in each area, a first-aid kit in a prominent and accessible location, clearly marked emergency exits, and unobstructed exit routes. Exit routes must not be locked or blocked during school hours.

9.2.5 Digital infrastructure. The School must maintain internet connectivity sufficient to operate the Institution Management Portal, with a minimum sustained downstream speed of two megabits per second, and at least one computing device capable of running a current browser.

9.3 Laboratory Requirement for ISCED Level 3

Non-Negotiable Requirement A School offering ISCED Level 3 (Classes 11 and 12) must maintain three separate, fully equipped, and functional science laboratories: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. The three laboratories must be distinct rooms; combined or shared laboratories do not satisfy this requirement. No exemption, alternative pathway, or partial provision is permitted. A School unable to maintain all three laboratories may only hold affiliation at ISCED Level 2.

9.3.1 Each laboratory must be capable of accommodating, at one time, a class of at least thirty students working in pairs, with adequate bench space, storage, and circulation.

9.3.2 Each laboratory must have at least two wide, unobstructed exits, as required by the applicable national safety standard for educational laboratory facilities, or by such international standard as WEQSC may from time to time specify. Exit doors must open outward and must not be locked during practical sessions.

9.3.3 Each laboratory must have appropriate fire extinguishing equipment, positioned near the exit and near any area of elevated fire risk. The type of extinguisher must be appropriate to the materials used in the laboratory.

9.3.4 Each laboratory must have a prominently displayed notice setting out the list of practical experiments in the current syllabus, the safety rules applicable to the laboratory, and the location of emergency equipment.

9.3.5 The School must maintain a consumable and non-consumable register for each laboratory, updated not less than once per Academic Session, and available for inspection at audit.

9.4 Physics Laboratory

The Physics Laboratory must be equipped to support the full range of CBSE Class 11 and Class 12 practical experiments, which span measurement, mechanics, properties of matter, heat, sound, optics, electricity, and electronics. ISCED Level 3 alignment is noted at sub-heading level.

9.4.1 Essential Measuring Instruments

Item	Specification	Use	Min. Qty
Vernier callipers	0–150 mm, least count 0.02 mm	Length, diameter, volume	15
Screw gauge (micrometer)	0–25 mm, least count 0.01 mm	Wire diameter, thin sheets	15
Spherometer	Least count 0.01 mm	Radius of curvature	10
Metre scale / half-metre scale	1000 mm / 500 mm, mm graduations	Length, moments	20
Travelling microscope	Least count 0.001 cm	Refractive index, small lengths	5

9.4.2 Mechanics and Properties of Matter

Item	Specification	Use	Min. Qty
Simple pendulum with stand	Bob, 1.5 m thread, retort stand	Acceleration due to gravity	10
Helical spring with slotted weights	Spring + 50 g × hangers	Spring constant, SHM	10
Parallelogram law apparatus	Complete with weights and pulleys	Vector addition	5
Searle's apparatus	Complete set	Young's modulus	2
Viscosity apparatus	Capillary tubes, stopwatch	Coefficient of viscosity	5
Surface tension apparatus	Capillary rise set	Surface tension	5
Beam balance	With weight box	Mass determination	5

9.4.3 Sound and Heat

Item	Specification	Use	Min. Qty
Resonance tube with tuning forks	Tube + forks 256–512 Hz	Speed of sound in air	5
Sonometer	With wire, bridges, and weights	Frequency of AC mains	5
Calorimeter	Copper, with stirrer and lid	Specific heat capacity	10
Thermometers	0–100 °C, 1 °C graduation	Temperature measurement	15
Water bath	Electric, with regulator	Constant-temperature work	3

9.4.4 Electricity and Electronics

Item	Specification	Use	Min. Qty
Metre bridge	1 m wire, jockey, terminals	Resistance measurement	10
Potentiometer	10-wire, with jockey	EMF comparison	5
Galvanometer	Centre-zero, sensitive	Current detection	10
Ammeter	0–1 A and 0–500 mA	Current measurement	15
Voltmeter	0–3 V and 0–10 V	Potential difference	15
Resistance box	Plug-type, 1–5000 Ω	Resistance selection	10
Rheostat	0–50 Ω, 2 A	Current control	10
Battery eliminator	DC, 2–12 V, 2 A	Power supply	10
Plug-in keys	Single and double	Circuit control	20
Connecting wires	Insulated copper, assorted	Circuit assembly	—
PN junction diode apparatus	Complete kit with two meters	Diode characteristics	5
Digital multimeter	Handheld, auto-range	General measurement	5

9.4.5 Optics

Item	Specification	Use	Min. Qty
Convex lenses	Assorted focal lengths	Focal length determination	10
Concave mirror	Assorted focal lengths	Focal length determination	10
Glass prism	Equilateral, 60°	Refraction, dispersion	10
Optical bench	With holders and screen	Lens and mirror work	5
Plane mirror	Glass, assorted sizes	Reflection experiments	10

9.4.6 Physics Laboratory — Safety Requirements

9.4.6.1 The Physics Laboratory must have electrical safety equipment, including insulated tools and a residual-current device or equivalent protection on all bench circuits.

9.4.6.2 All electrical fittings must be periodically checked, and a record of inspection retained for the period specified in Chapter 21.

9.4.6.3 The Physics Laboratory must have a first-aid kit, an eye-wash facility, and a fire extinguisher of a type suitable for electrical fires.

9.5 Chemistry Laboratory

The Chemistry Laboratory must be equipped to support the full range of CBSE Class 11 and Class 12 practical experiments, which span basic laboratory technique, purification and characterisation, pH measurement, chemical equilibrium, titration and volumetric analysis, salt analysis, and surface chemistry. ISCED Level 3 alignment is noted at sub-heading level.

9.5.1 General Glassware

Item	Specification	Use	Min. Qty
Beakers	Borosilicate, 50–1000 mL, assorted	Routine reactions, mixing	30 sets
Test tubes	Borosilicate, assorted sizes	Reactions, qualitative tests	100
Boiling tubes	Borosilicate, 25 × 150 mm	Heating reactions	30
Conical flasks	Borosilicate, 100–250 mL	Titration, mixing	30
Round-bottom flasks	Borosilicate, 100–500 mL	Reflux, distillation	10
Funnel stand (wooden)	Standard	Filtration support	10
Glass stirrers	8 in., borosilicate	Stirring	20

9.5.2 Volumetric Glassware

Item	Specification	Use	Min. Qty
Burettes	50 mL, graduated 0.1 mL	Titration	15
Pipettes	10 / 20 / 25 mL, volumetric	Accurate measurement	20 each
Volumetric flasks	100 / 250 / 500 / 1000 mL	Standard solution preparation	10 each
Measuring cylinders	10–1000 mL, assorted	General measurement	20 sets
Pipette fillers	Rubber or suction type	Safe pipetting	15
Wash bottles	250 / 500 mL	Rinsing, dilution	10

9.5.3 Heating, Filtration, and Drying

Item	Specification	Use	Min. Qty
Bunsen burners	With gas tubing and striker	Heating	15
Spirit lamps	Glass, with wick	Heating where gas unavailable	10
Water bath	Electric, with temperature control	Constant-temperature heating	3
Hot plate	Electric, 8 in. round, with regulator	Alternative heating	3
Buchner funnel	Porcelain, 4 in. diameter	Vacuum filtration	5
Filter funnels	Glass, assorted sizes	Gravity filtration	15
Watch glasses	3 in. diameter	Evaporation, covering	12
Clay triangles	Standard	Crucible support	10
Crucibles	Porcelain, with lids	Ignition, heating	10
Crucible tongs	Stainless steel	Handling hot crucibles	10
Desiccator	Glass, with desiccant	Cooling and drying	5

9.5.4 pH, Titration, and Analysis

Item	Specification	Use	Min. Qty
pH meter	Calibrated, with buffer solutions	pH measurement	2
pH paper	Universal indicator range	Rapid pH testing	5 packs
Indicator solutions	Phenolphthalein, methyl orange, etc.	Titration endpoints	Assorted
Electronic balance	200 g × 0.001 g	Accurate mass measurement	2
Mortar and pestle	Porcelain, assorted sizes	Grinding solids	5
Blow pipe	Brass, 8 in., with nozzle	Flame tests	5
Forceps	Stainless steel, blunt / pointed	Handling solids	10
Chemical spoons / spatulas	Stainless steel	Transferring solids	15

9.5.5 Reagent Storage and Chemical Handling

9.5.5.1 All chemicals must be stored in properly labelled containers, with the name, concentration, hazard classification, and date of receipt recorded. Hazardous chemicals must be kept in locked cupboards.

9.5.5.2 Chemical storage must be segregated by compatibility class, in accordance with standard laboratory practice. Acids must not be stored with bases; oxidising agents must not be stored with reducing agents; flammable solvents must be stored in fire-rated cabinets.

9.5.5.3 The School must maintain a chemical inventory register, recording receipt, use, and disposal of every hazardous substance. The register must be available for inspection at audit.

9.5.6 Chemistry Laboratory — Safety Requirements

9.5.6.1 The Chemistry Laboratory must have a fume hood or equivalent fume-extraction provision where volatile substances or concentrated acids are handled.

9.5.6.2 The Chemistry Laboratory must have an eye-wash station or portable eye-wash bottle, a safety shower where feasible, and a fire blanket.

9.5.6.3 The Chemistry Laboratory must have spill-control material appropriate to the chemicals stored, and a labelled waste container for chemical waste, segregated by compatibility class.

9.5.6.4 Gas fittings in the Chemistry Laboratory must meet the standards required by the Local Education Authority or, where none are specified, by the applicable national gas safety standard. Fittings must be inspected periodically, and the inspection record retained.

9.5.6.5 The Chemistry Laboratory must have a fire extinguisher of a type suitable for chemical fires, positioned near the exit and near any area of elevated risk.

9.6 Biology Laboratory

The Biology Laboratory must be equipped to support the full range of CBSE Class 11 and Class 12 practical experiments, which span microscopy, temporary and permanent slide preparation, dissection, physiological experiments, and soil and water analysis. ISCED Level 3 alignment is noted at sub-heading level.

9.6.1 Microscopy

Item	Specification	Use	Min. Qty
Compound microscope	Binocular, 40×–1000×, achromatic objectives, LED illumination	Cell and tissue study	15
Stereo / dissection microscope	10×–45× zoom, dual illumination	Dissection observation	3
Microscope slides	75 mm × 25 mm, borosilicate, ground edges	Slide preparation	100
Cover slips	22 mm × 22 mm, No. 1 thickness	Wet mount preparation	200
Prepared slides	Assorted: plant and animal tissues	Spotting and reference	50
Digital / USB microscope camera	5 MP minimum, USB	Class demonstration	1

9.6.2 Dissection

Item	Specification	Use	Min. Qty
Dissection kit	Scalpel, scissors, forceps, needles, pins, probe	All dissection practicals	15
Dissection tray / board	Rubber or wax-bottomed, 30 cm × 20 cm	Dissection support	15
Preserved specimens	Frog, earthworm, cockroach, starfish, Hydra	Dissection where live specimens unavailable	Assorted
Anatomical models	Human skeleton, brain, eye, heart	Demonstration and study	1 each

9.6.3 Staining and Slide Preparation

Item	Specification	Use	Min. Qty
Safranin	Dropper bottle	Plant tissue staining	3
Methylene blue	Dropper bottle	Animal cell staining	3
Iodine solution	Dropper bottle	Starch test	3
Acetocarmine	Dropper bottle	Chromosome staining	2
Crystal violet	Dropper bottle	Bacterial smear staining	2
Dropper / Pasteur pipettes	Glass or plastic, 1–2 mL	Stain application	30
Spirit lamp or Bunsen burner	Spirit lamp for staining fixation	Heat-fixing smears	5

9.6.4 Physiological and Analytical

Item	Specification	Use	Min. Qty
Laboratory analytical balance	Electronic, 200 g × 0.001 g	Mass measurement	1
Petri dishes	Glass or plastic, 90 mm	Culture, observation	20
Test tubes and racks	Borosilicate, assorted	General biology work	50
Beakers	Borosilicate, 100–500 mL	General biology work	20
Measuring cylinders	10–500 mL, assorted	Liquid measurement	10
Thermometers	0–100 °C	Temperature measurement	10
Soil test kit	pH, moisture, nutrient tests	Soil analysis	2
Water analysis kit	pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen	Water quality analysis	2

9.6.5 Biology Laboratory — Safety Requirements

9.6.5.1 The Biology Laboratory must have hygiene and disinfection provisions, including a hand-wash station, disinfectant, and appropriate waste disposal for biological material.

9.6.5.2 Where dissection is performed, the laboratory must have a designated dissection area with adequate ventilation, and a protocol for the safe disposal of biological waste.

9.6.5.3 The Biology Laboratory must have a first-aid kit, an eye-wash facility, and a fire extinguisher appropriate to the materials used.

9.6.5.4 All specimens must be preserved and stored in accordance with standard practice, and must be clearly labelled with the species, date of preservation, and preservative used.

9.7 General Laboratory Safety Infrastructure

In addition to the subject-specific requirements above, every laboratory must have the following general safety infrastructure.

Item	Specification	Applicability
Safety goggles	Indirect-vented or splash-resistant, one per active student plus 10% spare	All laboratories
Lab coat or chemical apron	Full-sleeve, flame-resistant where open flame is used	All laboratories
Task-appropriate gloves	Nitrile for chemical tasks; heat-resistant for hot apparatus	All laboratories
First-aid kit	Stocked, prominently located, contents checked termly	All laboratories
Eye-wash station or bottle	Accessible within ten seconds' travel	All laboratories
Fire extinguisher	Correct type for the laboratory, current inspection tag	All laboratories
Fire blanket	Accessible near exit	All laboratories
Spill-control material	Appropriate to substances used	Chemistry and Biology
Waste segregation containers	Labelled, segregated by waste class	Chemistry and Biology
Emergency exit signage	Illuminated where required by local code	All laboratories
Safety rules notice	Displayed prominently	All laboratories
Experiment list notice	Current syllabus practicals	All laboratories
Inspection register	Recording periodic checks of safety equipment	All laboratories

9.8 Laboratory In-Charge and Instructor Qualification

9.8.1 Each laboratory must be placed under the supervision of a designated Laboratory In-Charge, who is responsible for maintenance, safety, inventory, and compliance with this chapter.

9.8.2 The Laboratory In-Charge must hold, at minimum, a bachelor's degree in the relevant science subject, and must have completed the WEQSC laboratory safety induction within ninety days of appointment.

9.8.3 Practical sessions must be conducted under the direct supervision of a qualified teacher. Students may not be left unattended in a laboratory at any time.

9.8.4 The School must maintain a record of laboratory induction and safety training for each member of staff with laboratory responsibilities.

9.9 Inspection and Deficiency Remediation

9.9.1 Laboratory infrastructure is inspected at the annual audit under Chapter 28. The inspection covers equipment inventory, safety infrastructure, and storage arrangements.

9.9.2 Where the audit identifies a deficiency in laboratory infrastructure, the deficiency is classified under the Audit Finding categories in Chapter 28, and the remediation ladder in that chapter applies.

9.9.3 A deficiency that renders a laboratory non-functional for the delivery of the practical syllabus constitutes a Major Finding. A deficiency that creates an immediate risk to student safety constitutes a Critical Finding.

9.9.4 Where a laboratory is non-functional, the School must notify WEQSC within seven days and must submit a remediation plan within thirty days. During the period of non-functionality, the School must make alternative arrangements for the practical component of the syllabus, subject to WEQSC approval.

9.10 No Alternative Pathways

9.10.1 WEQSC does not recognise virtual laboratories, remote laboratories, simulation-only provision, or shared facilities as satisfying the Laboratory Requirement for ISCED Level 3.

9.10.2 The requirement in this chapter is one of substance: students must have physical access to functioning laboratories, with the equipment specified, in order to undertake the practical component of the WISE Curriculum Framework.

9.10.3 A School that cannot maintain all three laboratories may surrender its ISCED Level 3 affiliation and continue at ISCED Level 2, subject to the procedure in Chapter 29.

Further Resources

Laboratory equipment specifications — wise.weqsc.org/labs
Laboratory safety induction — wise.weqsc.org/cpd/labs
Consumable and non-consumable register template — wise.weqsc.org/forms/lab-register
Chemical inventory template — wise.weqsc.org/forms/chemical-inventory