Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS)

What is the Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) Scheme?

Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) scheme started in the year 1997-98 with the objective to provide quality education to children from ST category living in remote areas. The scheme helps Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) students get opportunities to pursue higher and professional educational courses and get employment.

EMRS schools are set up at block level as boarding schools and separate hostels for girls and boys, mess facility, sports facilities, and all other relevant amenities. Each school has a capacity to accommodate 480 students. Since, EMRS schools are fully residential, both teaching and non-teaching staff are required to stay on campus. The staff is provided with rent-free accommodation.

What are the Objectives of Eklavya Model Residential School Scheme?

• Provide quality education to ST and PVTG students from upper primary to senior secondary levels

• Expand school infrastructure in tribal areas at the block level

• Improve enrolment and retention of ST and PVTG students

• Bridge the education gap between tribal and non-tribal students

• Create a standardised quality education system in remote regions

Key Details - Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS)

• EMRS started in the year 1997-98

• Number of Schools Sanctioned: 723

• Number of Functional Schools: 499

• Number of male students enrolled: 76,070

• Number of female students enrolled: 78,513

• In 2022, the government decided that every block with more than 50% ST population and at least 20,000 tribal individuals will have an EMRS.

• These schools will support Centres of Excellence (COE).

What are the Benefits of Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS)?

EMRS schools offer both academic and residential services, which ensure that students from ST and PVTG categories do not have to discontinue their education.

The following are some of the key EMRS scheme benefits:

• Free Education: Students are provided with education from Class VI to Class XII, free of tuition.

• Residential Support: There are boarding and lodging facilities at the school campus.

• Modern Learning centers: Laboratories, libraries, computerised classrooms, and sporting facilities are available.

• Focus on Holistic Development: Students are invited to engage in extracurricular activities, sports, and programs based on skills.

• Improved Access: Provides remote tribal students with an opportunity to receive quality education without difficulties in relocation.

The plan is also involved in minimising the dropout rate among tribal students and their overall participation in higher education. Such educational support can be supplemented in the long-term by financial planning tools such as government life insurance schemes, which can assist the family to deal with both future financial requirements and education.

EMRS Eligibility Criteria

The Eklavya Model Residential School scheme is only applied to Scheduled Tribe students and is based on the specific eligibility rules. All these requirements must be fulfilled, and students must be eligible for the selection process by the relevant authorities.

What is the Admission Process for EMRS Scheme?

Admission to Eklavya Model Residential School is a systematic process, where the students who are eligible are selected fairly on the basis of merit or entrance test. The implementing authorities issue periodic notices regarding the admission process.

Steps to Apply for EMRS Admission

• EMRS or state release of official admission notifications

• Complete the application form in the official portal or centers

• Take the entrance test (if required)

• Wait till the merit list or selection is received

• Complete the document verification and admission formalities

Documents Required for EMRS Admission

In order to be verified, the necessary documents should be provided by the applicants in the course of admission. It is important to ensure that all documents are accurate and complete in order to have a smooth processing of the application.

These generally include:

• Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificate issued by a recognized authority

• Birth certificate or proof of age

• Previous education records or school leaving certificates

• Student's identity proof

• Certificate of residence

• Any other documents as specified in the admission notification

Read more about - Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) Scheme

Staff Recruitment for EMRS

Staff recruitment for Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) is done through the EMRS Staff Selection Exam (ESSE). The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) invites online applications from eligible candidates (Indian citizens only) for various teaching and non-teaching posts. NESTS is an autonomous organisation that comes under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India.

What is the Application Process for EMRS?

• Register on the NESTS official website

• Submit the EMRS online application form

• Pay the online application fee followed by the processing fee. (Female, SC, ST and PwBD candidates are exempt from paying the application fee, however, processing fee is mandatory for all)

• Download the Admit Card from the official NESTS website. It includes the city and date allotted for the exam.

In addition to competitive pay scales, selected candidates can secure themselves and their families through initiatives like Government Term Insurance Schemes for long-term financial protection. Both central and state governments provide various life insurance policies against different risks like accident, illness, and death.

What is the Selection Process for EMRS?

The selection process for Eklavys Model Residential School staff recruitment includes a two tier examination procedure. The examination pattern varies for different posts. Only eligible candidates can appear for the examination after successful submission of the online application form.

Following are the steps involved in the selection process for EMRS recruitment:

• Tier I examination at the designated centre and date based on the post applied for

• Release of candidate’s scanned copy of OMR sheet and official Answer Keys for Tier I examination to invite challenges on NEST’s website

• Release of list of shortlisted candidates for Tier II examination

• Result declaration for Tier II examination on NESTS website for all posts except Principal and Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA)

• Release of list of shortlisted candidates for skill test (typing test) for the post of JSA

• Result declaration for JSA skill test

• Release of list of shortlisted candidates for interview for the post of Principal followed by schedule for interview

• Result declaration for the post of Principal

What is the Eligibility Criteria for EMRS Staff Recruitment?

*There is relaxation for the maximum age limit for SC, ST, OBC and other categories as per the rules of Government of India.

Summing up

Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) is a central government scheme for setting up boarding schools exclusively focused on improving the quality of education for Scheduled Tribe (ST) students residing in remote areas. Through this program, the students are not only provided with free education but also with residential facilities that help them get a strong foundation for their future.

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