**Executive Summary**
This report details the progress and achievements of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) as of March 2026, presented to the Lok Sabha by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. It highlights the expansion of the scheme to 723 sanctioned schools, student enrollment of over 1.5 lakh, and significant academic success in national competitive examinations. Key action items include the ongoing construction of 323 schools and the integration of 400 skill labs to enhance vocational training.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Infrastructure and Status**
* As of February 28, 2026, 723 EMRSs have been sanctioned out of a planned 728, with 499 currently functional.
* Building construction is complete for 400 schools, while 323 remain at various stages of construction.
* Specific focus is placed on the Bastar Lok Sabha Constituency, where all 24 sanctioned schools are functional, with 15 still under construction.
**Academic Performance and Outcomes**
* For the 2024-25 academic year, Class X and XII pass percentages were 89% and 85%, respectively.
* A total of 129 schools achieved 100% results in Class X, and 72 schools achieved the same in Class XII.
* Student success in competitive exams includes 219 qualifiers for IIT-JEE (Main), 34 for IIT-JEE (Advanced), and 344 for NEET.
**Human Resources and Recruitment**
* National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) has conducted its first direct recruitment drive for 10,391 posts via ESSE-2023.
* Guest teachers are engaged by State Societies to ensure academic activities remain unhindered where permanent staffing is in progress.
**Facility Standards and Vocational Training**
* New EMRSs are designed for 15-acre campuses with a capacity of 480 students (Classes VI to XII).
* Facilities include separate hostels, modern classrooms, science/computer labs, and sports infrastructure.
* Under the SANKALP Project, 400 Skill Labs have been established across 200 campuses, focusing on robotics, digital fabrication, and electronics.
**Operational Changes and Criteria**
* Eklavya Model Day Boarding Schools (EMDBS) were merged with EMRSs effective April 29, 2022.
* EMRSs are sanctioned in blocks with over 50% Scheduled Tribe (ST) population and at least 20,000 tribal persons based on the 2011 census.
**Impact Analysis**
**Tribal Students**
**Impact**
Students receive access to modern residential education, specialized skill development through SANKALP labs, and support for national competitive exams.
**Action Required**
Eligible students in designated blocks must enroll and utilize the provided academic and vocational resources.
**Teaching and Non-teaching Staff**
**Impact**
Large-scale employment opportunities have been created, with over 10,000 personnel recruited and posted to improve school management.
**Action Required**
Recruited staff must carry out academic and administrative duties, while guest teachers are required to fill temporary gaps.
**State Societies and NESTS**
**Impact**
These bodies are responsible for the functional operations of the schools and the execution of recruitment and skill development projects.
**Action Required**
Ensure the completion of the 323 schools under construction and maintain unhindered academic activities through effective staffing.
Key Entities Referenced
Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs): The central scheme aimed at providing quality residential education to tribal students, with 728 schools planned across India.
Ministry of Tribal Affairs: The primary government body overseeing the policy, construction, and functional status of the EMRS scheme nationwide.
National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS): An autonomous organization under the ministry responsible for the management and direct recruitment of staff for Eklavya Model Residential Schools.
SANKALP Project: A skill development initiative used to establish 400 Skill Labs equipped with robotics and electronics tools in EMRS campuses.
Eklavya Model Day Boarding Schools (EMDBS): A school model that was merged into the broader EMRS scheme in April 2022 to consolidate educational initiatives for tribal students.