The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, has released a major recruitment notification for the EMRS Staff Selection Exam (ESSE)-2025. This recruitment drive aims to fill a substantial number of teaching and non-teaching positions in the Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) across India, which provide quality education to ST category students.
A total of 7,267 vacancies are available for various posts, including Principal, PGTs, TGTs, Hostel Warden, and other non-teaching staff. This is an excellent opportunity for eligible Indian citizens looking for a challenging yet rewarding career in a fully residential school environment, where staff are also required to perform residential duties.
Organization Overview
EMRSs are residential schools established at the block level with separate hostels for boys and girls, staff accommodation, mess facilities, and other amenities. The staff are eligible for a special pay @ 10% of the basic pay in addition to admissible allowances, recognizing their responsibilities attached with the residential system of schooling, such as House Mastership and students' welfare. Candidates should be prepared for posting anywhere in India, as the service involves all-India transfer liability.
Vacancy Details
A total of 7,267 tentative vacancies (including actual and anticipated vacancies) are to be filled through ESSE-2025.
| Post Category | Total Vacancies | Pay Level (7th CPC) |
|---|---|---|
| Principal | 225 | Level 12 (₹78,800 - ₹2,09,200) |
| Post Graduate Teachers (PGTs) | 1,460 | Level 8 (₹47,600 - ₹1,51,100) |
| Trained Graduate Teachers (TGTs) | 3,962 | Level 7 (₹44,900 - ₹1,42,400) |
| Hostel Warden (Male & Female) | 635 | Level 5 (₹29,200 - ₹92,300) |
| Female Staff Nurse | 550 | Level 5 (₹29,200 - ₹92,300) |
| Accountant | 61 | Level 6 (₹35,400 - ₹1,12,400) |
| Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA) | 228 | Level 2 (₹19,900 - ₹63,200) |
| Lab Attendant | 146 | Level 1 (₹18,000 - ₹56,900) |
Eligibility Criteria & Age Limit
The cut-off date for determining all eligibility criteria (Educational Qualifications, Age limit, etc.) is October 23, 2025.
| Category | Age Limit (Maximum) | Minimum Essential Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Principal | 50 years | Master's Degree (50% marks) AND B.Ed. Degree (50% marks) or equivalent, PLUS relevant experience (e.g., 9 years combined service as PGT and Vice-Principal). |
| PGTs | 40 years | Integrated Post Graduate Course (50% marks) OR Master's Degree (50% marks) AND B.Ed. Degree (50% marks) in the concerned subject. |
| TGTs | 35 years | Bachelor's/Honours Degree (50% marks) in concerned subject combination, B.Ed. Degree (50% marks) OR Integrated 4-year degree course, AND CTET Paper-II Qualified. |
| Hostel Warden (Male/Female) | 35 years | Bachelor's Degree from a recognized University/Institute. |
| Female Staff Nurse | 35 years | B.Sc. (Hons.)/Regular B.Sc./Post Basic B.Sc. in Nursing, Registered with State Nursing Council, PLUS 2.5 years experience in a minimum 50-bedded Hospital. |
| Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA) | 30 years | Senior Secondary (Class XII) certificate PLUS minimum speed of 35 wpm in English typing or 30 wpm in Hindi typing. |
| Lab Attendant | 30 years | 10th Class Pass with a certificate/diploma in Laboratory technique OR 12th Class with Science stream. |
Note on Age Relaxation: Age relaxation is granted as per Government of India rules. EMRS employees appointed on a regular basis are eligible for relaxation up to a maximum of 55 years.
Application Process
Candidates must apply through the Online mode only.
- Step 1: Online Application Submission: Apply through the official NESTS website.
- Step 2: Fill Part-A and Part-B: Fill in generic particulars in Part-A (category, PwD status) and then Part-B for each post separately. Note that a candidate can apply for more than one post if eligible, but separate fees are required for each.
- Step 3: Fee Payment: Pay the requisite fee using Debit Card/Credit Card/Net Banking/UPI through the online payment gateway.
- Step 4: Confirmation: The confirmation page will be generated only after the successful payment of fees. Candidates should preserve the printout of the confirmation page for document verification/interview.
Selection Process
The recruitment involves a two-tiered examination system followed by either an interview or skill test, depending on the post.
- Tier-I (Preliminary): This is a Qualifying Examination in OMR Based (Pen-Paper) mode for 100 marks. For PGTs/TGTs, the Language Competency Test (Part-VI) is qualifying in nature (minimum 40% marks).
- Tier-II (Subject Knowledge Examination): This exam is a combination of Objective (MCQ) and Descriptive questions for 100 marks (e.g., 40 Objective + 60 Descriptive for PGTs/TGTs). Candidates are shortlisted for Tier-II in the ratio of 1:10 based on Tier-I performance.
- Minimum Qualifying Marks in Tier-II: Candidates must score a minimum of 30% (General, OBC, EWS) and 25% (SC, ST, PwBD) in the Tier-II examination.
- Interview (Tier-III): Only for the post of Principal. Shortlisted candidates are called in a 1:3 ratio.
- Skill Test (Tier-III): Only for Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA). Candidates are called in a 1:3 ratio. This is a mandatory qualifying typing test (50 marks, minimum 20 to qualify).
Salary & Benefits
Salaries are as per the 7th CPC Pay Matrix, and staff members receive a 10% Special Pay for residential duties.
| Post | Pay Level (7th CPC) | Initial Pay Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Principal | Level 12 | ₹78,800 - ₹2,09,200 |
| PGTs | Level 8 | ₹47,600 - ₹1,51,100 |
| TGTs / Librarian | Level 7 | ₹44,900 - ₹1,42,400 |
| Accountant / Art/Music/PET | Level 6 | ₹35,400 - ₹1,12,400 |
Selected candidates will initially be on probation for a period of two years, which is extendable. Staff are provided with rent-free accommodation as available on campus.
Important Dates
| Event | Date/Timeline |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Date | September 19, 2025 |
| Online Submission of Application Form (Closing Date) | October 23, 2025 (up to 23:50 Hrs.) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | October 23, 2025 |
| Cut-off Date for Eligibility (Age, Qualification, etc.) | October 23, 2025 |
| Downloading of Admit Cards / Date of Examination | Will be notified on the NESTS website |
Application Fee (Non-refundable)
The fee consists of two components: Application Fee & Processing Fee. The Processing Fee of ₹500 is mandatory for all candidates.
| Category | Application Fee | Processing Fee (Mandatory) | Total Fee Payable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Principal (General, OBC, EWS) | ₹2,000 | ₹500 | ₹2,500 |
| PGT & TGTs (General, OBC, EWS) | ₹1,500 | ₹500 | ₹2,000 |
| Non-Teaching Staff (General, OBC, EWS) | ₹1,000 | ₹500 | ₹1,500 |
| Female, SC, ST & PwBD candidates (All Posts) | ₹0 (Not applicable) | ₹500 | ₹500 |
Preparation Tips
- Mandatory Language Qualification: For PGTs/TGTs, ensure you secure at least 40% marks in the Language Competency Test (Part-VI) in Tier-I, as failure to do so will result in Parts I to V not being evaluated.
- Tier-II Focus: The final merit list for most posts is based only on the Tier-II examination performance. Prepare thoroughly for the Objective and Descriptive Subject Knowledge components of Tier-II.
- Syllabus: The detailed syllabus for all posts is available on the official NESTS website. Candidates must check this.
- Residential Duties: All staff should be mentally prepared to perform residential duties and stay on campus, which includes duties like House Mastership and students' welfare.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
- Q1: What is the last date to apply for EMRS Recruitment 2025? Ans: The last date for online application submission and fee payment is October 23, 2025.
- Q2: Is there an interview for all posts? Ans: No, only the post of Principal includes a personal interaction/interview (Tier-III). The JSA post has a skill test (typing test) instead.
- Q3: What is the salary of a PGT and a TGT? Ans: PGTs are in Pay Level 8 (₹47,600 - ₹1,51,100), and TGTs are in Pay Level 7 (₹44,900 - ₹1,42,400), plus a 10% special allowance.
- Q4: Can I apply for the TGT Science and TGT Maths posts together? Ans: No, a candidate can apply for more than one post, but they can apply for only one post of TGT against various TGT posts (similarly for PGTs).
- Q5: Is the exam conducted online or offline? Ans: Tier-I will be conducted in OMR Based (Pen-Paper) mode. Tier-II is a combination of descriptive and OMR-based questions.
- Q6: Is there any fee exemption for female candidates? Ans: Yes, Female candidates are exempted from the Application Fee but must pay the mandatory Processing Fee of ₹500.