📌 Introduction
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.
📚 Table of Contents
- About NESTS and Its Role in Tribal Empowerment
- TALASH: Unlocking Talents and Building Confidence
- Career Guidance Tools and the Tamanna Framework
- Kaushalya Program: Technical Training with Tata Motors
- Residential Coaching for Competitive Exams
- Digital Coaching Access
- Government Vision: Building Leaders from Tribal Communities
- Impact & Timeline for National Rollout
- FAQ Section
- External Links
- Conclusion: A New Chapter for Tribal Empowerment
- Key Takeaways Table
🔍 About NESTS and Its Role in Tribal Empowerment
NESTS is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. It manages 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 planning.
🧭 TALASH: Unlocking Talents and Building Confidence
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.
Highlights
- Focus on personal development
- Life skills education integrated into school activities
- Teacher resources for mentoring and guidance
TALASH is already active in 75 EMRSs. A nationwide rollout is expected by the end of 2025.
📊 Career Guidance Tools and the Tamanna Framework
TALASH includes the Tamanna Aptitude Test, developed by NCERT. It helps students evaluate their interests and skills.
Key Features
- Individual career cards based on aptitude and preference
- Counselor-led sessions to support long-term planning
- Digital tools for follow-up and access to updated information
This approach brings clarity to career planning, helping students make informed choices.
🔧 Kaushalya Program: Technical Training with Tata Motors
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 work experience.
Benefits
- Diploma in Engineering
- Monthly stipend, meals, insurance, uniforms, and transport
- On-site training at Tata Motors facilities
Eligibility
- Age 18–23
- Minimum 60% in Class 10
- Completed Class 12 from an EMRS
The program also includes a job guarantee through Tata Motors’ “One Trainee, One Job” promise. Students may also pursue higher studies through partners like BITS Pilani.
🏫 Residential Coaching for Competitive Exams
To help students enter top colleges, NESTS, Tata Motors, and the Ex-Navodayan Foundation now offer full-time coaching for JEE and NEET aspirants.
Center Locations
- Chankapur, Maharashtra
- Chintapalle, Andhra Pradesh
Key Features
- Residential coaching for Class 11 and 12 students
- JEE/NEET-focused curriculum
- Mentorship and academic support
📡 Digital Coaching Access
Students in Class 9 and above at digital EMRSs can access online coaching for:
- Olympiads
- NTSE
- KVPY
This format expands access and reaches students in remote regions.
🎯 Government Vision: Building Leaders from Tribal Communities
Commissioner Ajeet Kumar Srivastava of NESTS calls this model a tool to build not just students, but future leaders.
“These initiatives close learning gaps, build self-esteem, and create future-ready citizens who will lead India forward.”
The combined focus on self-development, technical training, and exam preparation supports a pipeline of professionals from tribal communities.
📈 Impact & Timeline for National Rollout
✅ What’s Active Now
- TALASH is running in 75 EMRSs
- Kaushalya enrollment for 2025 has started
🎯 By End of 2025
- TALASH will expand to all EMRSs
- Tata Motors’ job and training pathway will be scaled nationwide
💡 Long-Term Goals
- Tribal students receive career-ready education
- Public-private partnerships help reduce inequality
❓ FAQ Section
- What is the TALASH program?
A career and life skills program for EMRS students, built around aptitude testing, confidence building, and mentorship. - What are the Kaushalya eligibility criteria?
Students must be 18–23, have at least 60% in Class 10, and be EMRS Class 12 graduates. - Where are the coaching centers for NEET/JEE?
Chankapur (Maharashtra) and Chintapalle (Andhra Pradesh). - How do Career Cards work?
They are based on the NCERT Tamanna test and link a student’s strengths to matching career paths. - Is there online coaching for younger students?
Yes, EMRSs offer online prep for Olympiads, NTSE, and KVPY from Class 9 onwards.
🔗 External Links
- UNICEF India – Education Programs
- Tata Motors Kaushalya Initiative
- NCERT Tamanna Framework
- Ministry of Tribal Affairs – NESTS
📢 Conclusion: A New Chapter for Tribal Empowerment
The launch of TALASH, the Kaushalya program, and exam coaching centers marks a turning point in tribal education. These efforts deliver skills, direction, and real opportunities to thousands of students.
This model shows what’s possible when government, industry, and non-profits work together. It puts tribal youth on a path to success—with access, support, and belief in their potential.
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Key Takeaways Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Collaborating Organizations | NESTS, UNICEF, Tata Motors, and Ex-Navodayan Foundation |
| Target Group | Over 1.3 lakh tribal students studying in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) across 28 states and 8 UTs |
| Flagship Initiatives | 1. TALASH – Tribal Aptitude, Life Skills, and Self-Esteem Hub2. Kaushalya Program – Technical training by Tata Motors |
| TALASH Objectives | Build student confidence, provide life skills, mentor support, and career clarity using NCERT’s Tamanna Aptitude Test |
| Kaushalya Program Benefits | – 5-year diploma in engineering- On-site training, stipend, meals, insurance, and job guarantee- Higher education pathway with BITS Pilani |
| Residential Coaching | Free JEE/NEET prep centers in Chankapur (MH) and Chintapalle (AP) |
| Digital Learning Access | Online coaching for Olympiads, NTSE, and KVPY from Class 9 onward at digital EMRSs |
| Eligibility for Kaushalya | Age 18–23, minimum 60% in Class 10, and Class 12 graduate from an EMRS |
| Government Vision | Develop tribal leaders and professionals through personalized education, self-development, and industry-ready training |
| Commissioner’s Statement | Ajeet Kumar Srivastava: “These initiatives close learning gaps and create future-ready citizens.” |
| Implementation Status (2025) | – TALASH active in 75 EMRSs; national rollout by end-2025- Kaushalya enrollment open for 2025 |
| Long-Term Goals | National scale-up of public-private tribal education partnerships to ensure career readiness, equity, and inclusion |