In a major push towards empowering tribal students, the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, has unveiled a series of initiatives to enhance education, life skills, and employability for students studying in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) across the country.
On July 9, NESTS signed landmark agreements with UNICEF India, Tata Motors Limited, and the Ex-Navodayan Foundation to roll out programmes that will support over 1.3 lakh tribal students in their academic and professional journeys.
At the centre of these efforts is TALASH (Tribal Aptitude, Life Skills and Self-Esteem Hub), an innovative national platform launched in partnership with UNICEF. TALASH aims to strengthen both academic learning and personal development by helping students discover their strengths, build essential life skills, and plan clear career pathways.
Through psychometric assessments inspired by NCERT’s ‘Tamanna’ initiative, students will receive individual Career Cards suggesting suitable career options based on their aptitudes. The platform will also provide career counselling, dedicated life skills modules, and resources for teachers to guide students effectively. The phased national rollout has already begun, with 189 teachers from 75 EMRSs trained to lead sessions in their schools. By the end of 2025, TALASH is expected to reach all EMRSs in 28 states and 8 union territories.
Complementing this, NESTS has entered into a five-year Memorandum of Understanding with Tata Motors Limited to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry-ready skills. Under this partnership, students passing out of Class 12 from EMRSs will be enrolled in Tata Motors’ Kaushalya Program — an ‘Earn & Learn’ initiative that combines a Diploma in Engineering with on-the-job training. Eligible students will be aged 18 to 23 and must have secured at least 60% marks in their Class 10 examinations.
The program provides a monthly stipend, subsidised canteen and transport facilities, uniforms, safety equipment, insurance cover, and opportunities for high-performing students to pursue further technical studies such as B.Tech through tie-ups like BITS Pilani’s Work Integrated Learning Program. Placement support under a ‘One Trainee, One Job’ policy will ensure that trained graduates find employment within Tata Motors’ manufacturing and service locations nationwide.
In a parallel move, NESTS has also signed a tripartite agreement with Tata Motors and the Ex-Navodayan Foundation to offer focused coaching for competitive exams like IIT-JEE and NEET. This initiative will include dedicated residential Centres of Excellence at Chankapur (Maharashtra) and Chintapalle (Andhra Pradesh), providing intensive in-person coaching for meritorious science stream students of Grades XI and XII. Additionally, online preparatory classes for Olympiad, NTSE, and KVPY exams will be made available to students from digitally equipped EMRSs, extending support to learners from Grade IX onwards.
Together, these new measures are intended to close educational gaps, build confidence among tribal youth, and create a sustainable pipeline of skilled students ready to contribute to India’s development.
According to Ajeet Kumar Srivastava, Commissioner, NESTS, these collaborations are “a testament to our commitment to providing tribal students with opportunities to realise their full potential. Through these initiatives, we aim to bridge gaps in education and empower the next generation of tribal leaders.”
NESTS, under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, runs Eklavya Model Residential Schools nationwide to ensure quality education for tribal students. UNICEF India continues to partner with the government in advancing inclusive education, while Tata Motors and the Ex-Navodayan Foundation bring industry experience and academic expertise to strengthen outcomes for tribal youth.
