08 — Education network
Education & EMRS
Eklavya Model Residential Schools are the Ministry of Tribal Affairs' flagship programme for residential education of Scheduled Tribe students in remote areas, from Class VI to Class XII.
728 schools approved, 508 functional
Status as laid in Parliament by the Minister on 13 August 2026. Each dot below is one approved school; filled dots are schools reported functional.
PIB, 13 Aug 2026 — Status of EMRSs (opens in a new tab) Demand for Grants 2026–27, No. 100 (opens in a new tab)
02 — Purpose
What the scheme is for
Official statement
The Ministry describes EMRS as "a flagship scheme of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to provide quality residential education to Scheduled Tribe (ST) students in remote areas from Class VI to XII". The scheme aims to bridge educational gaps and to support "holistic development, including academics, sports, and skills of tribal children". Another official description adds the aim of educating students "in their own environment preserving local art and culture".
Who it serves
Fact
The schools serve Scheduled Tribe students from Class VI to Class XII, covering upper primary, secondary and senior secondary education. Under the criterion announced in the Union Budget 2018–19, an EMRS is to be set up in every block with more than 50% Scheduled Tribe population and at least 20,000 tribal persons, based on Census 2011.
Why residential
Source-based analysis
Many eligible blocks are in hilly or forested areas where secondary schools are far apart. A residential school removes the daily journey and keeps students in one place through Class XII. That is why the official descriptions stress "remote areas" and continuity from Class VI to XII.
A seven-year education pathway
The school stages an EMRS covers, as defined by the scheme.
- VIEntryAdmission at Class VI
- VI–VIIIUpper primaryThree years
- IX–XSecondaryBoard examination at Class X
- XI–XIISenior secondaryStreams and Class XII examination
- →Beyond schoolHigher education, skills or employment
From 288 to 728: how the network has grown
EMRS introduced. Over the following years, 288 schools are sanctioned through grants under Article 275(1) of the Constitution.
Union Budget sets the block-level criterion. 440 more schools are proposed, for a total of 728 approved.
479 schools reported functional.
723 sanctioned and 499 functional; buildings complete for 400 schools.
728 approved and 508 functional; 1,56,593 students enrolled.
PIB, 21 Aug 2025 (opens in a new tab) PIB, 23 Mar 2026 (opens in a new tab) PIB, 13 Aug 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Who runs the schools
Fact
The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) is an autonomous organisation under the Ministry. It manages and implements the scheme in coordination with State EMRS Societies. NESTS marked its 8th Foundation Day on 1 April 2026, when meritorious EMRS students were honoured.
Who builds them
Construction is carried out by central and State agencies. Those presenting progress at the May 2026 review included CPWD, HSCL, TCIL, WAPCOS, EPIL, NPCC and State Government agencies.
- 428 buildings complete
- 249 under construction
- 46 pre-construction
Documented work in this tenure
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5 May 2026
Ministerial review
National review of EMRS construction
The Minister reviewed physical and financial progress with the executing agencies. He directed them to speed up work and asked senior officials to make frequent field visits. He asked States to resolve pending land and forest-clearance issues, and agencies to submit monthly progress reports to the Ministry and NESTS.
PIB release 2258203 (opens in a new tab) -
1 Apr 2026
Official statement
NESTS 8th Foundation Day
PIB release 2248092 (opens in a new tab)"Our goal is no longer just inclusion, but excellence."
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14 Oct 2024
Field visit
EMRS Diphupar, Nagaland
During a visit to Nagaland, the Minister visited the Eklavya Model Residential School at Diphupar.
PIB release 2064802 (opens in a new tab)
About images on this page. This page has no photographs of students. No photographs of EMRS students were supplied with verified consent and context, so the page uses diagrams only.