Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) were originally launched in which period, under Article 275(1) of the Constitution?

1997-98. EMRS was launched in 1997-98, under Article 275(1) of the Constitution, for residential ST education. Read more: IndSoc0045 — Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS).

Since the 2018 revamp, one EMRS is envisaged for every block meeting which criteria?

Over 50% ST population and at least 20,000 tribal persons. Since 2018, one EMRS is envisaged for every block with over 50% ST population and at least 20,000 tribal persons. Read more: IndSoc0045 — Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS).

Which body was given charge of running EMRS schools on the ground, after the 2018 revamp?

National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS). The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) took over EMRS school management after the 2018 revamp. Read more: IndSoc0045 — Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS).

As of 2024-25, against a target of 728 schools, how many EMRS schools are functional?

479. 479 of the 728 targeted EMRS schools are functional as of 2024-25. Read more: IndSoc0045 — Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS).

Which state has the most functional EMRS schools, as of 2024-25?

Chhattisgarh. Chhattisgarh has the most functional EMRS schools of any state, with 75, ahead of Madhya Pradesh (63), Jharkhand (51), and Odisha (47). Read more: IndSoc0045 — Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS).

Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS)

A scheme to give tribal-majority blocks their own residential school took almost three decades to reach two-thirds of its target. It is still growing, and it is a favourite for exams.

At a Glance

Four facts to hold on to.

Launched

1997–98, Article 275(1).

Target

728 schools.

Run by

NESTS.

Top state

Chhattisgarh, 75 functional.

EMRSEklavya Model Residential Schools.

NESTSNational Education Society for Tribal Students.

Article 275(1)Grants-in-aid to States for tribal welfare.

BlockAn administrative unit below a district.

In this lesson

EMRS Basics
NESTS and the State Ranking
Why It Took So Long
In the News: AI and Infrastructure, 2026

EMRS Basics

Must Know

What the scheme does

EMRS give free residential education up to Class XII to Scheduled Tribe students.
They aim to match the quality of Navodaya Vidyalayas.
The scheme began in 1997–98, funded under Article 275(1) of the Constitution.
The name comes from Eklavya, the tribal archer of the Mahabharata.

The 2018 revamp

The 2018 revamp set a clear target.
One EMRS for every block with over 50% ST population and at least 20,000 tribal persons.
The target is 728 schools.
As of 2024–25, 479 were functional.
Enrolment rose from 92,075 in 2020–21 to 1,38,336 in 2024–25.

Bar chart of EMRS target schools against functional schools — Chart: EMRS target and progress.

True or False: EMRS began in 1997–98 under Article 275(1) of the Constitution.

NESTS and the State Ranking

Good to Know

Who runs the schools

The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) runs EMRS on the ground.
It took over school management after the 2018 revamp.
NESTS has hired staff directly through the EMRS Staff Selection Exam (ESSE).

Functional schools by state, 2024–25

State	Functional EMRS
Chhattisgarh	75
Madhya Pradesh	63
Jharkhand	51
Odisha	47

Place among tribal schemes

EMRS sits with other schemes of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, such as PM-JANMAN and Van Dhan Vikas Kendras.
But EMRS is for school-age ST children.
The others focus on livelihoods and services.
See the wider framework in Tribal Groups and Welfare in India.

True or False: EMRS schools are run on the ground by TRIFED.

Why It Took So Long

Great to Know

From paper to momentum

EMRS existed on paper from 1997–98.
Only after 2018 did it get a block-level target and a dedicated body.
479 of 728 is about 66%. The scheme is mid-rollout.
The blocks left for last are often the hardest to reach.

Why Chhattisgarh leads

Chhattisgarh has a large ST population.
It also has many Left-Wing Extremism-affected districts. See Left-Wing Extremism in India.
The state has treated residential schooling as a long-term stabiliser.
Other leading states: Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand and Odisha.

Link to national policy

EMRS runs beside the national reform. See National Education Policy 2020.

Think it through: why build residential schools for tribal children?

Many tribal habitations are far apart and have few good schools nearby. A residential school brings teaching, food and safety under one roof, so children can stay in class instead of dropping out.

True or False: As of 2024–25, Chhattisgarh had the most functional EMRS schools.

In the News: AI and Infrastructure, 2026

Current Affairs

Medha AI

On 5 June 2026, NESTS signed an MoU with CoGrad for AI-enabled teaching support.
It covers over 9,000 teachers in 499 functional EMRSs and may reach over 1.5 lakh students.
CoGrad gives free two-year access to its “Medha AI” tool for quizzes, lesson plans and 3D models.
Source: PIB, 5 June 2026.

Sanctioned schools

As of 1 January 2026, 723 EMRSs had been sanctioned. The target is 728.
Odisha leads with 111, then Jharkhand (91) and Chhattisgarh (75).
NESTS filled 10,391 posts through ESSE 2023.
Source: PIB, 11 February 2026.

True or False: As of January 2026, Chhattisgarh had the most sanctioned EMRS schools.

Quick Q&A

Launched?

1997–98.

Target?

728 schools.

Who runs?

NESTS.

Eligibility?

50% ST, 20,000 tribal people.

Most sanctioned?

Odisha, 111.

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