The Union government has relaxed Hindi language norms in its latest recruitment guidelines for Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), aiming to ensure language proficiency does not become a barrier for tribal candidates. The move comes after an internal review by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to enhance regional representation in the schools.

Under the revised framework, candidates for trained graduate teacher (TGT) positions will be assessed on a combined 30-mark language component, encompassing English, Hindi, and a scheduled or regional language of their choice.

A minimum aggregate of 12 marks across the three languages is now sufficient to qualify, removing the earlier mandatory Hindi score that applied even to candidates opting for regional languages.

The relaxation also applies to applicants for female staff nurse positions, although Hindi competency remains essential for post-graduate teachers handling senior classes (9 to 12). Government sources emphasized that the changes ensure deficiencies in one language do not block eligible candidates from applying.

The new norms were incorporated in the 2025 EMRS staff selection application guidelines issued by the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

The development follows concerns raised by states such as Andhra Pradesh over language requirements during a recent national conference on the Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan scheme. Bihar, Tamil Nadu, and other states that have not signed a Memorandum of Understanding with NESTS continue to follow independent recruitment processes.

EMRS were launched in 1997-98 to provide quality education and boarding for tribal students from classes six to twelve, on the lines of Navodaya Vidyalayas. The scheme was revamped in 2018-19 as a central sector initiative, mandating an EMRS in every block with over 50% Scheduled Tribe population and at least 20,000 tribal residents. Currently, there are 722 sanctioned EMRS, of which 479 are functional and 235 are under construction, catering to over 1.46 lakh students with 13,437 staff members.

Following the centralisation of recruitment post-2018-19, NESTS has advertised 7,267 vacancies in the latest recruitment round: 3,962 for TGTs, 1,460 for post-graduate teachers, 225 for principals, 635 for hostel wardens, and 550 for female staff nurses.

 This forms part of a larger sanctioned cadre of 38,480 teaching and non-teaching positions, of which over 10,000 were filled in 2023. The new recruitment drive balances the needs of functional schools and those expected to become operational soon.