TALASH and Kaushalya programs launched by NESTS, UNICEF, and Tata Motors offer career guidance, life skills, engineering diplomas, and NEET/JEE coaching for over 1.38 lakh EMRS tribal students across India.
NESTS, UNICEF & Tata Motors Launch Transformative Programs for Tribal Students
Introduction to the Multi‑Partner Initiative
On 9 July 2025, the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, signed significant agreements with UNICEF India, Tata Motors, and the Ex‑Navodayan Foundation to roll out comprehensive education and employability programs. Aimed at students of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs), these initiatives benefit over 1.3 lakh tribal youth across 28 states and 8 union territories
TALASH: Building Life Skills & Career Aptitude
NESTS and UNICEF jointly introduced TALASH—Tribal Aptitude, Life Skills & Self‑Esteem Hub—a national digital platform designed to foster academic growth, emotional resilience, and career readiness. The platform features:
- Psychometric tests aligned with NCERT’s Tamanna, generating personalized Career Cards
- Career counselling sessions led by trained teachers
- Life-skills modules enhancing communication, problem-solving, emotional intelligence
- A teacher portal for ongoing guidance resource management
The program’s phased rollout has trained 189 teachers across 75 EMRSs, with completion expected by end‑2025
Kaushalya Program: Industry‑Aligned Engineering Education
Under a five-year MoU with Tata Motors, Class 12 EMRS graduates can enroll in the Kaushalya Program, an ‘Earn & Learn’ diploma in engineering anchored in on‑the‑job training. Key features include:
- Eligibility: 18–23-year-olds with ≥60% marks in Class 10
- Benefits: monthly stipend, subsidised canteen/transport, uniforms, safety gear, insurance
- Further education pathway via BITS Pilani’s Work‑Integrated Learning Program
- One Trainee, One Job placement guarantee upon successful completion
These measures aim to bridge academic learning with employment opportunities, paving a secure vocational pathway for tribal youth.
Competitive Exam Coaching: IIT‑JEE & NEET
NESTS, Tata Motors, and the Ex‑Navodayan Foundation signed a tripartite MoU for specialized preparation of IIT‑JEE and NEET aspirants. Initiatives include:
- Residential Centres of Excellence at Chankapur (Maharashtra) and Chintapalle (Andhra Pradesh) for Grade XI–XII science students
- Online coaching for Olympiad, NTSE, KVPY from Grade IX onwards in digitally enabled EMRSs
- Outreach to over 1.38 lakh students, starting academic year 2025–26
Unified Goal: Equalizing Educational Prospects
Together, these initiatives under NESTS’ directive—backed by UNICEF’s inclusive education ethos and Tata Motors’ industrial strength—intend to:
- Enhance foundational skills
- Promote competitive edge for higher education
- Empower tribal students socially and economically
- Create a sustainable talent pipeline from EMRS communities
Why This News Matters
Strengthening Tribal Inclusion
Tribal communities have historically faced educational inequalities in India. These programs specifically target such gaps, aligning with NEP 2020 goals on equitable and inclusive academic systems.
Focus on Holistic Development
By combining academic learning with life skills, psychological resilience, and vocational training, the initiative reflects modern education trends that prioritize both personal and professional growth.
Direct Pathway to Employment
The Kaushalya ‘Earn & Learn’ model effectively shifts graduates from classrooms to the workforce—secured with stipends, training, and guaranteed placements—transforming them into industry-ready professionals.
Boosting National Competitiveness
By nurturing tribal talent in JEE/NEET and Olympiad coaching, these measures enhance tribal representation in elite academic streams, promoting social justice and diverse contribution in higher education.
Public–Private–NGO Synergy
This collaboration showcases the power of multi-sector partnerships—government, industry, and NGOs combining strengths to deliver scalable impact.
Historical Context
EMRS & NESTS
Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) launched in 1997 to provide quality education for tribal students. NESTS, formed in 2019, oversees their administration, focussing on targeting existing learning inequities
NEP 2020 & Life Skills
The National Education Policy 2020 emphasizes holistic education—integrating critical thinking, life skills, and vocational training into school curricula. TALASH embodies this progressive vision.
Public–Private Engagement
Over recent decades, public–private collaborations have gained momentum in India’s education sector, recognizing the importance of domain expertise and infrastructure—this initiative continues this legacy with Tata Motors and UNICEF partnerships.
Key Takeaways from “NESTS–UNICEF & Tata Motors Launch New Student Programs”
| No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | TALASH—Tribal Aptitude, Life Skills & Self‑Esteem Hub by NESTS‑UNICEF aims to develop psychometric-based career guidance and life-skills training for 1.38 lakh EMRS students. |
| 2 | Kaushalya Program with Tata Motors provides Class 12 graduates with engineering diplomas, stipend, hands-on training, and guaranteed jobs. |
| 3 | Career Cards and teacher-supported counselling personalize academic pathways based on NCERT-inspired psychometric tests. |
| 4 | Competitive Exam Coaching via Centres of Excellence targets IIT‑JEE, NEET, and Olympiads for Grade IX–XII EMRS students. |
| 5 | This is a multi-sector partnership fostering tribal empowerment aligned with NEP 2020 and systemic educational reform. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the objective of the TALASH program?
TALASH, launched by NESTS in collaboration with UNICEF, aims to provide tribal students of EMRSs with career guidance, life skills, emotional resilience, and psychometric-based aptitude mapping.
2. Who can apply for the Kaushalya program by Tata Motors?
Tribal students who are 18–23 years old and have secured at least 60% in their Class 10 exams are eligible to apply. The program includes a diploma in engineering with on-the-job training.
3. What is the role of UNICEF in this initiative?
UNICEF supports the development and implementation of the TALASH digital platform, providing life-skills modules, teacher training, and psychometric testing tools to enhance the career readiness of tribal youth.
4. How will the IIT-JEE and NEET coaching be conducted under this program?
Specialized residential coaching will be provided at two Centres of Excellence in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh for students in Grades XI–XII, with online coaching available for Grade IX and above in science streams.
5. What is NESTS and how is it connected to EMRSs?
NESTS (National Education Society for Tribal Students) is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs responsible for managing Eklavya Model Residential Schools, which offer quality education to tribal children across India.
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