NESTS, UNICEF and Tata Motors Launch New Student Programs

National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) signed major agreements with UNICEF India, Tata Motors, and the Ex-Navodayan Foundation to support the learning, life skills, and job training of over 1.3 lakh tribal students. These students study in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) across India. This step is very important for helping tribal youth build better futures.

Helping Students Discover Their Strengths

One of the main programs launched is called TALASH (Tribal Aptitude, Life Skills and Self-Esteem Hub). It was created by NESTS in partnership with UNICEF. This platform will help students know their talents, grow in confidence, and choose the right careers.

TALASH will use special tests like the ‘Tamanna’ model from NCERT to prepare Career Cards for each student. These cards will suggest jobs that match the student’s abilities. The platform also offers career counselling, life skills lessons, and tools for teachers to guide students better. The program has already started in 75 schools, and by the end of 2025, it will reach all EMRSs in 28 states and 8 union territories.

Job Training with Tata Motors

NESTS has also signed a five-year deal with Tata Motors to give Class 12 EMRS graduates a chance to join the Kaushalya Program. This is a “Learn and Earn” course where students study for a Diploma in Engineering and also get real work experience.

To join, students must be 18–23 years old and must have scored at least 60% in Class 10. They will get a monthly stipend, meals, transport, uniforms, insurance, and a chance to study further through partnerships like BITS Pilani. Tata Motors will also help these students get jobs at their factories or service centers through its “One Trainee, One Job” promise.

Coaching for Competitive Exams

A third initiative involves special coaching for top science students who want to take IIT-JEE or NEET. NESTS, Tata Motors, and the Ex-Navodayan Foundation will run residential coaching centers in Chankapur (Maharashtra) and Chintapalle (Andhra Pradesh).

Students in Classes 11 and 12 will get focused help, while those from Class 9 onwards in digital EMRSs can attend online coaching for other exams like Olympiads, NTSE, and KVPY. This will prepare students for both engineering and medical careers.

Government’s Vision for Tribal Youth

Ajeet Kumar Srivastava, Commissioner of NESTS, said these partnerships are part of the effort to give tribal students more chances to reach their full potential. He said that these programs will close learning gaps, build confidence, and create future leaders.

NESTS runs Eklavya Model Residential Schools across India to give tribal children good education. With help from UNICEF, Tata Motors, and other partners, these efforts will now reach even more young people and make a real difference in their lives.