What is Eklavya Model Residential Schools?
Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) is a flagship scheme of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs providing FREE quality residential education to Scheduled Tribe (ST) children from Class 6 to Class 12. Launched in 1997, EMRS schools are fully residential — providing free boarding, lodging, tuition, uniform, books, stationery, and medical care. The scheme aims to establish one EMRS in every block with ST population above 50% and at least 20,000 tribal population, by 2022 (extended to 2026). Currently over 688 EMRS schools are functional across 27 states/UTs, benefiting over 1.5 lakh students. Each EMRS school has capacity for 480 students. Budget enhanced to ₹38,000 crore for 2018-2022. Schools follow CBSE curriculum and have modern facilities including science labs, libraries, computer rooms, and sports facilities. Tribal students also get JEE/NEET coaching at EMRS. National Admission Test (EMRS-NAT) conducted for admission.
Eklavya Model Residential Schools — Quick Overview
| Scheme Name | Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) 2026 — Free Residential School for Tribal Children |
| Launched By | Government of India |
| Launch Year | 1997 |
| Benefit | 100% FREE residential schooling (Class 6–12) — boarding, food, books, uniform, medical, CBSE curriculum + JEE/NEET coaching |
| Category | Education |
| Last Verified | 24 May 2026 |
| Official Portal | https://emrs.tribal.gov.in |
एकलव्य मॉडल आवासीय विद्यालय (EMRS) अनुसूचित जनजाति (ST) के बच्चों को कक्षा 6 से 12 तक मुफ्त आवासीय शिक्षा प्रदान करते हैं। बोर्डिंग, भोजन, वर्दी, किताबें, चिकित्सा सुविधा — सब मुफ्त। CBSE पाठ्यक्रम, JEE/NEET कोचिंग। 27 राज्यों में 688+ EMRS। राष्ट्रीय प्रवेश परीक्षा (EMRS-NAT) के माध्यम से प्रवेश।
100% मुफ्त आवासीय शिक्षा — बोर्डिंग, भोजन, किताबें, वर्दी, चिकित्सा — CBSE पाठ्यक्रम
Benefits of Eklavya Model Residential Schools
100% FREE residential schooling (Class 6–12) — boarding, food, books, uniform, medical, CBSE curriculum + JEE/NEET coaching
Who is Eligible for Eklavya Model Residential Schools?
- ✓Must belong to Scheduled Tribe (ST) community
- ✓Age 9-12 years for Class 6 admission (varies by state/school)
- ✓Admission through National Admission Test (EMRS-NAT) conducted by NESTS
- ✓Must be resident of the block/area where EMRS school is located (priority for local tribal students)
- ✓Academic merit based on EMRS-NAT score
- ✓No income limit — all tribal families eligible
Documents Required for Eklavya Model Residential Schools
How to Apply for Eklavya Model Residential Schools Online?
- 1Register for the EMRS National Admission Test (EMRS-NAT) on emrs.tribal.gov.in for Class 6 entry.
- 2Submit the ST caste certificate issued by a competent authority along with the Aadhaar card and birth certificate.
- 3Provide proof of residence in the block where the EMRS school is located, since local tribal students get priority.
- 4Attach the Class 5 marksheet as academic proof required for Class 6 admission.
- 5Appear for the EMRS-NAT exam conducted by NESTS; admission is based on the merit list from this test.
- 6Submit parent/guardian ID proof at the time of confirming the seat and hostel admission.
- 7Selected students join the residential school for free boarding, tuition, books, uniform, and medical care through Class 12.
Official Government Portal
Use emrs.tribal.gov.in directly — there is no application fee, and no third party can speed up your approval.
🔗Apply on emrs.tribal.gov.in