Tribal AffairsEKLAV
Eklavya Model Residential School
A central scheme establishing model residential schools to provide quality middle and high-level education to Scheduled Tribe (ST) students in remote areas.
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Official fee
₹0 — completely free
Education, uniform, books, boarding, and lodging are entirely free for selected ST students. No fees are charged.
Only the "Apply on official portal" button above leads to the verified government site.
Highlights and Media
Key Highlights
Free Quality Education
Fully residential CBSE-pattern schooling with zero expenses for ST students.
All-Round Development
Special emphasis on sports, cultural activities, and vocational skills training.
Targeted Tribal Blocks
Schools set up in tribal blocks with >50% ST population and at least 20,000 ST persons.
EMRS Funding Allocation Priorities
Budget distribution per student under the EMRS scheme guidelines
Who is eligible
- Student belongs to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category and lives in an eligible tribal block.
Eligibility rules · v1 · effective 1 April 1998
How to apply
Admission Application
Submit an application form online or physically at the nearest EMRS during the registration window.
Typical duration · 10 days
Entrance Examination (EMRSET)
Appear for the Eklavya Model Residential School Selection Test (EMRSET) conducted by NESTS/State Societies.
Typical duration · 30 days
Verification & Admission
Verification of ST certificate and seat allocation based on EMRSET merit list.
Typical duration · 15 days
Sources
- National Education Society for Tribal Students — NESTS PortalMINISTRY_PORTAL · Fetched 5 July 2026
Additional Details
Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) is a flagship scheme of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs launched in 1997-98 to ensure Scheduled Tribe (ST) students get access to quality middle and high-level education in remote tribal areas. Apart from school education, the scheme focuses on the all-round development of tribal students, including sports, skill training, and career counseling, fully funded by the government. The program is managed by the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS).