Eklavya Model Residential Schools — Quick Overview
| Scheme Name | Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) 2026 — Free Residential School for Tribal Children | tribal.nic.in |
| 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 | 16 May 2026 |
| Official Portal | https://emrs.tribal.gov.in |
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.
Under this scheme, eligible beneficiaries receive 100% FREE residential schooling (Class 6–12) — boarding, food, books, uniform, medical, CBSE curriculum + JEE/NEET coaching. The scheme was launched in 1997 and is implemented by the Government of India.
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
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Documents Required for Eklavya Model Residential Schools
How to Apply for Eklavya Model Residential Schools Online?
- 1Visit the official portal at https://emrs.tribal.gov.in
- 2Click on Apply Now or Register button on the homepage
- 3Enter your Aadhaar-linked mobile number and verify OTP
- 4Fill in the online application form with required details
- 5Upload the required documents including Aadhaar and bank passbook
- 6Review all details and submit the application
- 7Note down the application reference number for future tracking
- 8Wait for verification and approval from the concerned authority
Official Government Portal
Apply directly on the official government website. This is the only authorised portal — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
🔗Apply on emrs.tribal.gov.inFrequently Asked Questions — Eklavya Model Residential Schools
Common Questions About Education Schemes
What is PM YASASVI Scholarship?+
It is a scholarship for OBC, EBC, and DNT students studying in Classes 9-12, selected through the YASASVI Entrance Test conducted by NTA.
How much scholarship amount is given?+
Students in residential schools/hostels get ₹75,000/year and day scholars in top-class schools get ₹25,000/year.
Which students are covered under PM POSHAN?+
All students studying in Classes 1 to 8 in government, government-aided schools, and Ashram Shalas. Bal Vatika pre-primary students are also included since 2021.
What nutrition standards apply to the mid-day meals?+
Meals must provide 450 Kcal energy and 12g protein for primary students (Class 1 to 5), and 700 Kcal and 20g protein for upper primary students (Class 6 to 8).
What scholarships are available on the National Scholarship Portal?+
Over 50 scholarship schemes from central ministries covering pre-matric, post-matric, and merit-cum-means scholarships for SC, ST, OBC, EBC, minorities, and differently-abled students.
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