Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS): Quality Education for Tribal Students
Last updated: 2026-11-13 · MockMentor
Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), started in 1997-98, give free, quality residential education from Class 6 to 12 to Scheduled Tribe students in remote areas. The revamped scheme is run by the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS).
In one line: Navodaya-style residential schools for tribal children, one in every block with a large tribal population.
At a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Started | 1997-98 |
| Ministry | Tribal Affairs |
| Agency | National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) |
| Capacity | 480 students a school, equal seats for boys and girls |
| Target | One school per block with over 50% ST population and 20,000+ tribal people; 728 schools by 2026 |
| Status (2026) | 723 sanctioned, 499 working |
| Construction cost | ₹37.80 crore (plains), ₹48 crore (hilly, North-East, LWE areas) |
Admission rules
- Up to 10% of seats for non-ST students; 20% sports quota for ST students.
- Priority to PVTG children, children affected by extremism and children of widows.
- Day boarding schools merged into EMRS from April 2022.
- Teachers are recruited through the National Testing Agency.
Possible exam questions
- How can residential schooling improve educational outcomes for tribal children?
- What are the challenges in staffing schools in remote tribal areas?
Complete notes in our courses: this page gives the essentials. The Super-Elite and Elite courses carry the full chapter with every update merged in, plus practice MCQs. Compare the courses.
More in Tribal Affairs schemes
- Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan
- PM-JANMAN
- PM Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY)
- PM Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM)
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