In a major step toward strengthening education in India’s tribal regions, the Union Government has announced that 728 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) will be fully operational by 2026. These schools are designed to offer high-quality residential education—similar to Navodaya Vidyalayas—to children from Scheduled Tribes.
At present, 440 EMRS are functioning across the country, and construction of the remaining schools is moving ahead in phases.
Transforming Education in Tribal Areas
The EMRS mission prioritises blocks with over 50% tribal population and at least 20,000 ST residents. The idea is simple yet powerful: bring world-class education to the doorstep of tribal children, without forcing them to leave their culture, community, or environment.
Each school is being developed as a comprehensive learning ecosystem, offering far more than just classroom education.
What EMRS Campuses Offer
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Smart classrooms equipped with digital boards
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Science and computer labs for hands-on learning
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Well-stocked libraries
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Separate hostels for boys and girls
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On-campus healthcare and regular medical check-ups
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Sports facilities, music, art, and extracurricular platforms
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Digital coaching for IIT-JEE and NEET aspirants
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Skill labs (400 skill labs being set up in 200 EMRS)
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Internet-enabled computer centres and digital learning tools
The initiative is being implemented by the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), an autonomous body created by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in 2019.
EMRS Students Shine Nationally in 2025
The impact of these schools is already showing remarkable results:
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Telangana won the 4th EMRS National Sports Meet 2025 and received accolades from Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy.
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26 EMRS students cracked JEE Advanced 2025, achieving strong All-India Ranks.
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Leenormit Lepcha, a Class IX student from Sikkim, was selected for ISRO’s YUVIKA 2025 Young Scientist programme.
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President Droupadi Murmu approved a special discretionary grant to reward top-performing EMRS students in each stream.
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In Odisha, Swetaparna Panda received the 33rd Ekalavya Award 2025 for her achievements in badminton, along with a cash prize of ₹7 lakh.
These accomplishments reflect how expanded academic support and sports training are helping tribal students excel at national levels.
Progress in the Northeastern States
The government has sanctioned 145 EMRS across eight northeastern states, including
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Meghalaya – 35
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Nagaland – 22
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Manipur – 21
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Tripura – 21
Although only 28 schools are functional so far, officials report that construction delays have been addressed and work is now progressing steadily.
During a recent visit to Tripura’s Kumarghat EMRS, the Union Tribal Affairs Minister interacted with students and teachers, inspected classrooms and labs, and encouraged children to stay active in sports. He also participated in Constitution Day activities by reading the Preamble with students.
Massive Recruitment Drive Launched
To support the expansion, NESTS has rolled out the EMRS Staff Selection Examination (ESSE) 2025) for 7,267 vacancies across teaching and non-teaching categories.
The exams are scheduled for December 13, 14, and 21, with the city intimation slips released on November 27.
This large-scale hiring is crucial to ensure that every new EMRS begins functioning with trained teachers, wardens, and support staff.