ESSE-2025: Large-Scale Recruitment Drive
ESSE-2025 was notified for recruitment to 7,267 teaching and non-teaching posts across Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) functioning under NESTS. The examination is part of the government’s broader effort to strengthen the quality of education in tribal areas by ensuring the availability of competent teachers and administrative staff.
The recruitment process was clearly outlined in the official notification, which specified a two-tier examination system followed, wherever applicable, by interviews. NESTS emphasized that every stage of the process has defined objectives and eligibility conditions.
Tier-1 Is Only a Screening Test
According to NESTS, the Tier-1 examination, conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in December 2025, serves only as a screening stage. Its sole purpose is to shortlist candidates for the next phase, Tier-2, and not to assess their suitability for final appointment.
As per the recruitment rules, candidates are shortlisted in a ratio of 1:10 for each post. This means the Tier-1 cut-off is determined purely by the number of candidates required to move forward and not by any benchmark of final merit or competence.
Negative Marking Was Clearly Notified
Addressing the controversy around low or negative cut-off marks, NESTS clarified that the marking scheme, including provisions for negative marking, was clearly mentioned in the ESSE-2025 notification. The appearance of low or negative cut-offs is a result of relative performance in a competitive environment and does not indicate any dilution of recruitment standards.
The society stressed that being shortlisted in Tier-1 does not confer any right to appointment and should not be interpreted as “selection” in any form.
Final Selection Based on Tier-2 and Interviews
NESTS made it clear that final merit and selection are determined exclusively through the Tier-2 examination, which is subject-specific and evaluative in nature. For certain posts, particularly that of Principal, the process includes both a Tier-2 examination and an interview.
Candidates must secure minimum qualifying marks in Tier-2 to remain in contention. These have been fixed at 30 percent for General category candidates and 25 percent for SC, ST and Divyang candidates. Any candidate failing to meet this requirement is automatically disqualified, regardless of their Tier-1 performance.
Clarification on Pay Scales and Appointments
The society also addressed confusion regarding salary levels reported in some sections of the media. It clarified that the pay scales mentioned are standard government pay matrices and become applicable only after a candidate successfully clears all stages of the recruitment process and is formally appointed.
NESTS underlined that no appointment is made on the basis of Tier-1 results alone and that all selections strictly adhere to notified rules.
Appeal to Media for Responsible Reporting
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and merit-based recruitment, NESTS urged media organisations to verify facts before publication. The society cautioned that inaccurate reporting can create unnecessary confusion and anxiety among candidates.
The clarification aims to reassure aspirants that the ESSE-2025 recruitment process remains fair, competitive and aligned with established norms, ensuring that only professionally competent candidates are appointed to serve in tribal education institutions.
For official updates, candidates have been advised to rely on notifications issued by NESTS and information available on the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and CBSE portals.
