According to government data, the number of students dropping out of government-approved Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) has increased steadily over the past five years. The number of drop outs across the country increased from 111 students in 2021-22 to 552 students in 2024-2025, the overall rate increased from 0.11% to 0.40%.
The dropout rate in model tribal schools has increased in the last five yearsMinister of State for Tribal Affairs Durgadas Weeke presented information on the number and rate of students dropping out of EMRS in the last five years in Parliament in a written reply to a question by Trinamool’s Mithali Bagh.
Eklavya Model Residential Schools were established by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to provide quality residential education and employment opportunities to Scheduled Tribe (ST) students in remote areas. They are designed to be equivalent to Navodaya schools and have special facilities to preserve local art and culture and provide training in sports and skill development to students. As of January 1, 2026, 723 EMRSs have been approved, and 499 EMRSs are operational across the country.
While the response does not identify the reasons for the student dropout rate, the data shows that the number almost doubled from 111 drop outs in 2021-2022 to 241 students in 2022-2023. In the following year, the number rose to 329 drop outs and a staggering 552 students dropped out in 2024-2025. Among these, Chhattisgarh (88), Odisha (87) and Madhya Pradesh (71) have the highest number of students.
Details of funds sanctioned, allocated and utilized under EMRS since the inception of the project along with details of faculty and non-faculty sanctioned and vacant posts till 1 January 2026 are also mentioned. During the first recruitment drive under National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), 10923 vacancies were filled.
