“These initiatives close learning gaps, build self-esteem, and create future-ready citizens who will lead India forward.” — Ajeet Kumar Srivastava, Commissioner, NESTS
The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), along with UNICEF, Tata Motors, and the Ex-Navodayan Foundation, has launched a series of programs to support over 1.3 lakh tribal students in India. Delivered through Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs), these initiatives focus on career guidance, skills training, and competitive exam coaching.
From the TALASH career guidance platform to Tata Motors’ Kaushalya Program, this collaboration brings education, opportunity, and industry exposure to students who need it most — marking a new chapter in tribal empowerment through public-private partnerships.
🏫 About NESTS & Eklavya Model Residential Schools
NESTS is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. It manages Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) to deliver quality education to tribal students across India. There are now more than 400 EMRSs operating in 28 states and 8 union territories, serving over 1.3 lakh students.
The new partnerships mark a shift in how tribal education is being approached — focusing on employability, personalized guidance, and long-term career planning rather than just academic instruction.
Think of EMRSs as residential schools specifically designed for tribal students in remote areas. NESTS runs these schools, but now they are partnering with organizations like UNICEF and Tata Motors to add career guidance and job-ready skills — turning schools into launchpads for professional success.
| Organization | Role in Partnership | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| NESTS | Lead Implementing Body | Manages 400+ EMRSs nationwide |
| UNICEF | Development Partner | TALASH platform & life skills |
| Tata Motors | Industry Partner | Kaushalya training & job guarantee |
| Ex-Navodayan Foundation | Education Partner | JEE/NEET coaching support |
🧭 TALASH: Career Guidance & Life Skills Platform
TALASH — short for Tribal Aptitude, Life Skills, and Self-Esteem Hub — is a new platform from NESTS and UNICEF. It helps students discover their strengths and develop the skills needed to succeed in their careers and lives.
The platform uses the Tamanna Aptitude Test developed by NCERT to evaluate students’ interests and abilities. Based on results, each student receives an individual Career Card linking their strengths to matching career paths.
TALASH Full Form: Tribal Aptitude, Life Skills, and Self-Esteem Hub — Remember: “TALASH helps students SEARCH for their true potential” (Talash = Search in Hindi)
Key Features of TALASH:
- Focus on personal development and confidence building
- Life skills education integrated into school activities
- Teacher resources for mentoring and guidance
- Individual Career Cards based on Tamanna test results
- Counselor-led sessions for long-term planning
TALASH is already active in 75 EMRSs. A nationwide rollout to all EMRSs is expected by the end of 2025.
🔧 Kaushalya Program: Industry-Ready Technical Training
The Kaushalya Program is a five-year training initiative for EMRS graduates of Class 12. Offered by Tata Motors in partnership with NESTS, it combines classroom learning with hands-on work experience at Tata Motors facilities.
Program Benefits:
- Diploma in Engineering
- Monthly stipend, meals, insurance, uniforms, and transport
- On-site training at Tata Motors facilities
- Job guarantee through “One Trainee, One Job” promise
- Higher education pathway with partners like BITS Pilani
Don’t confuse: Kaushalya is NOT just a training certificate — it is a full 5-year Diploma in Engineering program with job placement. Also remember: Kaushalya is by Tata Motors, while TALASH is by NESTS-UNICEF.
Kaushalya Eligibility Criteria:
- Age: 18–23 years
- Minimum 60% marks in Class 10
- Must be a Class 12 graduate from an EMRS
Enrollment for the 2025 batch is currently open.
📡 Competitive Exam Coaching & Digital Access
To help students enter top colleges, NESTS, Tata Motors, and the Ex-Navodayan Foundation now offer full-time residential coaching for JEE and NEET aspirants at two dedicated centers:
- Chankapur, Maharashtra
- Chintapalle, Andhra Pradesh
These centers provide residential coaching for Class 11 and 12 students with a JEE/NEET-focused curriculum, mentorship, and academic support.
Why is residential coaching important for tribal students? Many come from remote areas with limited access to quality coaching. By bringing coaching to them in a residential setting, the initiative removes geographic and economic barriers to competitive exam success.
Digital Coaching Access:
Students in Class 9 and above at digital EMRSs can access online coaching for:
- Olympiads
- NTSE (National Talent Search Examination)
- KVPY (Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana)
This digital format expands access and reaches students in the most remote regions.
🌍 Impact & Timeline for National Rollout
The combined focus on self-development, technical training, and exam preparation supports a pipeline of professionals from tribal communities. Commissioner Ajeet Kumar Srivastava calls this model a tool to build not just students, but future leaders.
Long-Term Goals:
- All tribal students receive career-ready education
- Public-private partnerships help reduce educational inequality
- Create a pipeline of tribal professionals and leaders
- Bridge the gap between education and employability
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NESTS is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, responsible for managing Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs).
TALASH stands for Tribal Aptitude, Life Skills, and Self-Esteem Hub — a career guidance platform developed by NESTS and UNICEF.
The Kaushalya Program is a 5-year technical training initiative offered by Tata Motors, not UNICEF or the Ex-Navodayan Foundation.
The Tamanna Aptitude Test is developed by NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) and is used within the TALASH program.
The JEE/NEET coaching centers are located in Chankapur (Maharashtra) and Chintapalle (Andhra Pradesh).
