New Delhi, December 11, 2025 – The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, has released the admit cards for the Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA) positions as part of the Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) Staff Selection Exam (ESSE) 2025. This recruitment drive aims to fill 228 vacancies for JSA posts across various EMRS institutions nationwide. Designed for 12th-pass candidates, these roles offer stable government employment with opportunities to support administrative functions in tribal education initiatives.
JSAs in EMRS handle clerical duties, data management, correspondence, and office support in residential schools focused on tribal communities. With the application window now closed and exams approaching, shortlisted candidates should download their admit cards immediately. This is a key entry-level opportunity in the public sector, especially for those passionate about education and administration. Let’s explore the full details.
Key Highlights and Important Dates
The recruitment is part of a larger ESSE 2025 drive for 7,267 teaching and non-teaching posts, with applications handled online. Here’s the updated timeline: DSSSB MTS Recruitment 2025: Notification Out for 714 Vacancies – Apply Online Now!
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | September 19, 2025 |
| Online Application Start Date | September 19, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | October 28, 2025 (extended from Oct 23) |
| Application Fee Payment Last Date | October 28, 2025 |
| Tier-I Exam Date (JSA) | December 21, 2025 (2:30 PM – 4:30 PM) |
| Admit Card Release | December 11, 2025 (ongoing) |
| Tier-II Exam (if applicable) | To be announced |
Candidates must check the official website for shift-wise exam city details, as the schedule for other posts (e.g., Dec 13 & 14) may vary.
Vacancy Details
Out of the total 7,267 ESSE vacancies, 228 are specifically for Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), distributed across EMRS locations. The category-wise breakup follows government reservation norms:
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| UR | 94 |
| OBC | 61 |
| SC | 34 |
| ST | 17 |
| EWS | 22 |
| Total | 228 |
(Note: Exact category-wise figures are based on the notification; PwBD horizontal reservations apply.) These posts are non-teaching and permanent, with postings in EMRS schools across 15 states.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for EMRS JSA 2025, candidates must meet these as of October 23, 2025 (cut-off date):
- Educational Qualification: Senior Secondary Certificate (Class 12th) from a recognized board. A typing speed of 35 words per minute (WPM) in English or 30 WPM in Hindi on a computer is mandatory (tested in Tier-II).
- Age Limit: 18 to 35 years. Relaxations:
- SC/ST: 5 years
- OBC: 3 years
- PwBD: 10 years (additional for reserved categories)
- Ex-Servicemen: As per rules
- Nationality: Indian citizens only. No state-specific restrictions.
- Other Requirements: Proficiency in computer operations; physical fitness for office duties.
Candidates must upload valid certificates during application and verification.
How to Download Admit Card and Apply (Retrospective Guide)
Admit cards are now live on the official portal. For reference, the application was fully online:
- Visit the official website: nests.tribal.gov.in or the ESSE portal.
- Click on the “EMRS ESSE 2025 Admit Card” link under the recruitment section.
- Log in using your registration number, DOB, and password.
- Verify details, download the PDF, and take a printout.
- For applications (now closed): Register, fill details, upload photo/signature (20-50 KB), and pay fees via net banking/credit/debit card.
Application Fee: ₹500 for General/OBC (male). Exempted for females, SC/ST/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen.
Carry admit card, photo ID, and two passport photos to the exam center. Late or incomplete submissions were rejected.
Selection Process
The process is multi-tiered for fairness:
- Tier-I (CBT): Objective MCQs (200 marks, 2 hours) on General Awareness, Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English/Hindi, and Computer Knowledge.
- Tier-II (Skill Test): Typing test (qualifying) + descriptive paper.
- Document Verification: For shortlisted candidates.
- Merit List: Based on combined scores; no interview for JSA.
Negative marking: -0.25 for wrong answers in Tier-I.
Exam Pattern and Syllabus
Tier-I is bilingual (English/Hindi) and computer-based:
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 20 | 20 |
| Reasoning Ability | 20 | 20 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 20 | 20 |
| English Language | 40 | 40 |
| Hindi Language | 40 | 40 |
| Knowledge of Computer | 60 | 60 |
| Total | 200 | 200 |
Syllabus Overview:
- General Awareness: Current events, history, geography, polity, economy, tribal affairs.
- Reasoning: Analogies, puzzles, series, coding-decoding.
- Quantitative Aptitude: Number systems, percentages, ratios, time/work, mensuration (Class 10 level).
- Languages: Grammar, comprehension, vocabulary, error spotting.
- Computer Knowledge: MS Office, internet, basics of hardware/software.
Qualifying marks: 40% for UR/EWS/OBC, 35% for SC/ST/PwBD. Prepare with previous papers and mocks.
Salary and Benefits
Selected JSAs will be placed in Pay Level 6 (7th CPC) with a basic pay of ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400 per month. In-hand salary: Approx. ₹45,000–₹55,000 including DA, HRA, TA, and NPS pension. Additional perks: Medical facilities, leave encashment, and promotion opportunities in EMRS.
Preparation Tips
- Focus Areas: Prioritize computer knowledge and typing practice (use online tools like TypingClub).
- Resources: Official syllabus PDF, books like RS Aggarwal (Reasoning/Quant), Wren & Martin (English), and Lucent GK. Apps: Testbook, Adda247 for mocks.
- Strategy: Solve 2-3 mocks daily; revise tribal education schemes (e.g., EMRS objectives).
- Last-Minute: Review admit card instructions; arrive early at the center.
Conclusion
The EMRS JSA Recruitment 2025 is a prime chance for young graduates to contribute to tribal empowerment while securing a rewarding career. With 228 vacancies and exams just days away on December 21, ensure your admit card is ready and revisions are on point. For updates, including answer keys and results, monitor the NESTS website.
Best wishes for the exam! Stay focused and success will follow. For queries, refer to the official notification PDF.