School Principal, PGT, TGT & Non-Teaching Recruitment 2025 – ESSE 2025 (NESTS)
Official notification released. The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs has published the ESSE-2025 information bulletin for recruitment to teaching and non-teaching posts for Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs). This guide explains everything aspirants need to know — from eligibility and important dates to application steps, exam syllabus, preparation plan and interview tips.
Important: This post intentionally does not mention vacancy counts. Candidates must always confirm post availability from the official notification at nests.tribal.gov.in.
Overview
NESTS has launched ESSE 2025 to recruit qualified teaching and non-teaching staff for EMRSs across India. EMRSs focus on quality residential education for tribal students and require teachers with strong subject knowledge, commitment to inclusive education and adaptability to residential school environments.
This recruitment covers senior academic leadership (School Principal), subject teachers (PGT & TGT), and a range of non-teaching roles such as staff nurse, hostel warden, accountant, junior secretarial assistant (JSA), lab attendant and others. The information bulletin on the official website contains full role descriptions and specific eligibility matrices.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Published | 18 September 2025 |
| Online Applications Open | 25 September 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply (Online) | 23 October 2025 (till 23:50 hrs) |
| Admit Card | Will be published on website |
| Exam Dates | Will be announced on official portal |
| Final Result | After completion of selection stages |
Always check the official information bulletin on the NESTS website for any date updates or corrigenda.
Posts Covered & Role Summary
The ESSE 2025 recruitment covers a range of posts. Below is a concise, role-oriented summary to help you decide which post to apply for.
School Principal (Academic & Administrative Head)
- Lead school academic programs, manage staff performance and school administration.
- Oversee residential facilities, discipline, safety and student welfare.
- Coordinate with NESTS, local authorities and community stakeholders.
Post Graduate Teacher (PGT)
- Teach senior secondary classes (class 11–12) in specialized subjects (e.g., Physics, Chemistry, Maths, English, History).
- Plan lessons, assess student progress and guide advanced academic projects.
Trained Graduate Teacher (TGT)
- Teach middle and secondary classes (class 6–10) across subjects.
- Implement teaching methodologies suited for residential school settings.
Non-Teaching Staff (Examples)
- Staff Nurse: Health services and first aid for students and staff.
- Hostel Warden: Supervision of hostels and student welfare.
- Accountant: Financial records and budgeting support for school funds.
- JSA (Junior Secretariat Assistant): Administrative support and record keeping.
- Lab Attendant: Maintenance and support of science labs.
Refer to the official bulletin for full post list and exact job descriptions.
| Post | Number of Posts |
|---|---|
| School Principal | 225 |
| Post Graduate Teacher (PGT) | 1460 |
| Trained Graduate Teacher (TGT) | 3962 |
| Female Staff Nurse | 550 |
| Hostel Warden (Male / Female) | 635 |
| Accountant | 61 |
| Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA) | 228 |
| Lab Attendant | 146 |
Note: Vacancy numbers above are taken from the official ESSE-2025 notification image supplied. Always verify final counts and reservations in the official NESTS information bulletin at nests.tribal.gov.in.
Eligibility & Age Criteria
Eligibility differs by post. Below are typical requirements; always verify specific requirements in the official notification.
Typical Educational Qualifications
- Principal: Postgraduate degree in any discipline from a recognized university + B.Ed. + significant teaching/administration experience. Leadership/management qualification is an advantage.
- PGT: Master’s degree in the relevant subject + B.Ed. or equivalent teaching qualification.
- TGT: Bachelor’s degree in the relevant subject + B.Ed. or D.El.Ed. where applicable.
- Non-Teaching Posts: Qualification varies — e.g., Staff Nurse (GNM/B.Sc. Nursing), Accountant (B.Com / relevant diploma), JSA (12th pass + computer skills), Lab Attendant (10th/12th with science preference).
Age Criteria
Age limits vary by post. Relaxation for reserved categories as per Government of India rules is applicable. Check the official notification for exact upper and lower age limits per post.
Other Eligibility
- Indian citizen as defined by the Government of India.
- Medical fitness — selected candidates may be required to submit fitness certificates.
- Preferred: Experience working in residential schools or with tribal communities (where specified).
Document Checklist — Prepare Before Applying
Keep scanned copies (clear, readable) ready before starting the online form. File size and format instructions will be given on the application portal.
- Passport size photograph (JPEG/PNG) — recent, white/light background. Alt image suggestion: "passport photograph of candidate for ESSE 2025 application"
- Signature (JPEG/PNG)
- Class X certificate (proof of date of birth)
- All educational certificates (degree marksheets, B.Ed, D.El.Ed, GNM etc.)
- Experience certificates (if applicable)
- Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) — if claiming reservation
- Disability certificate (PwD) — if applicable
- ID proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport)
- Proof of domicile or tribal status (if applicable)
Scan quality: Use 300 dpi scanning for documents; crop tightly; save as PDF or JPEG per portal instructions. Keep original documents ready for verification later.
How to Apply — Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this checklist for a smooth online application:
- Read the Information Bulletin: Download and read the official ESSE-2025 information bulletin from nests.tribal.gov.in. Note post-wise eligibility, fees and document specifications.
- Register on Portal: Create an account using a valid email and mobile number on the NESTS application portal.
- Fill Application Form: Carefully enter personal, educational and experience details. Double-check spellings (name as per certificates) and category choices.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned photograph, signature and supporting documents as per specified format/size.
- Pay Fee: Pay the application fee using debit/credit card, net banking or UPI as provided. Save fee receipt screenshot.
- Preview & Submit: Preview the entire application, correct errors if any, and submit. After submission, download the confirmation/receipt and print it for records.
- Admit Card: Monitor the portal for admit card release and exam details.
Pro tip: Use a desktop browser for uploads and payment to avoid mobile-related upload issues. Use Chrome/Edge and a stable internet connection.
Application Fee
The bulletin provides category-wise fee details. Typical structure in many central recruitments is:
- General / OBC: Fee (payable online)
- SC / ST / PwD / Ex-servicemen: Concession or exempted
Always check the official notification for the exact fee amount and mode of payment.
Selection Process — What to Expect
Selection typically includes one or more of the following stages depending on the post:
- Computer Based Test (CBT) / Written Exam: Objective/subjective tests to assess subject knowledge, reasoning, general awareness and teaching aptitude.
- Skill Test: For posts requiring practical skills (e.g., Lab Attendant, Computer Instructor).
- Interview / Viva-Voce: For senior posts (Principal, some teaching posts) to evaluate leadership, communication and contextual fit.
- Document Verification & Medical Fitness: Final stage before appointment.
Shortlisting criteria and weightage of exam/interview will be available in the official notice.
Exam Pattern & Detailed Syllabus (General Guidance)
The exact pattern is defined in the bulletin. Below is a comprehensive, commonly used structure aspirants can follow to prepare effectively.
General Structure (Teaching Posts)
| Section | Topics | Approx. Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Part A — General Awareness | Current Affairs, Indian Polity, Science & Technology, Tribal Affairs, EMRS scheme basics | 15–25% |
| Part B — Reasoning & Mental Ability | Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation, Analytical Ability | 10–20% |
| Part C — Teaching Aptitude & Pedagogy | Educational Psychology, Classroom Management, Inclusive Education, Assessment Techniques | 15–25% |
| Part D — Subject Knowledge | PG level for PGT, Graduate level for TGT — topic-wise (as per subject) | 35–55% |
Non-Teaching Posts — Typical Areas
- General Knowledge & Current Affairs
- Reasoning & Basic Numerical Ability
- Role-specific knowledge (nursing procedures for staff nurse; basic accounting for accountant; computer basics for JSA)
Sample Subject Topics (PGT: Physics)
- Mechanics, Electrodynamics, Quantum Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Optics, Nuclear Physics
- Pedagogy specific to higher secondary physics
Time Management & Negative Marking
Check notification for time duration and negative marking policy; plan practice tests accordingly.
Preparation Strategy & 8-Week Study Plan
This 8-week plan assumes a baseline commitment of 3–5 hours/day (adjust as per availability). Use mock tests and previous year question styles (if available).
Week 1–2: Foundation & Syllabus Mapping
- Read the official syllabus and mark high-weight topics.
- Collect standard books and study material for subject and pedagogy.
- Create a subject-wise study calendar.
Week 3–5: Core Learning & Notes
- Daily subject study (2 hours) + General Awareness (30 mins) + Reasoning (30 mins).
- Make concise notes for revision (one page per topic).
Week 6: Practice & Mock Tests
- Start full-length mock tests (time-bound).
- Analyze weak sections and revise notes.
Week 7: Interview & Skill Practice
- Prepare answers for common interview questions (leadership, classroom examples, scenario handling).
- Practice teaching demo (for PGT/TGT) — 10–15 minute lesson plan + slides/blackboard notes.
Week 8: Final Revision
- Revise notes, key formulas and pedagogy frameworks.
- Attempt a final mock and relax 48 hours before exam.
Use online resources: video lessons, test series and educational forums. Consistent short revisions beat last-minute cramming.
Interview & Skill Test Tips
For senior posts (Principal/PGT), the interview evaluates leadership, decision-making and fit for residential school environment.
Common Interview Themes
- Experience managing school routines and student welfare.
- Approach to inclusive education and tribal inclusion programs.
- Examples of conflict resolution, staff development and community engagement.
Teaching Demonstration
- Prepare a crisp lesson plan (objectives, activities, assessment) for a 10–15 minute demo.
- Use simple, child-centric methods and show how you will adapt for mixed-ability classes.
Behavior & Presentation
- Be punctual, carry original documents and a hard copy of your application.
- Express clearly — use examples from your experience.
Salary, Perks & Service Conditions
Compensation is as per the government pay matrix and depends on post/level. Typical benefits for EMRS employees include:
- Pay as per Central Government/ NESTS scales
- DA, HRA (if applicable), medical benefits
- Leave rules, retirement benefits and provident fund
- Residential facility may be available for some posts
Exact pay scale and allowances are defined in the notification for each post. Employment will be subject to service rules and bond conditions (if any).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Where can I apply online for ESSE 2025?
A: Apply through the official NESTS portal at nests.tribal.gov.in.
Q2: Are EMRS jobs transferable?
A: Transfer policies are governed by NESTS service rules. In many cases, transfers depend on management and administrative requirements.
Q3: Is prior experience in residential schools mandatory?
A: Experience is often desirable, not always mandatory. Check the post-wise eligibility criteria in the bulletin.
Q4: Will there be reservation for tribal candidates?
A: Reservation provisions are applied as per Government of India rules and will be explained in the notification.
Q5: What is the medium of exam?
A: Language and medium details are in the official notification. Many central recruitments allow bilingual papers (English & Hindi) for relevant sections.
Resources & Useful Links
- NESTS Official Website (Apply & Notification)
- ESSE 2025 Information Bulletin (Notification PDF)
- Ministry of Education (for pedagogy resources)
- Ministry of Tribal Affairs
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Published: 20 September 2025 | Source: NESTS Official Notification. For any update, verify details on nests.tribal.gov.in.
