EMRS STAFF SELECTION EXAM (ESSE) Syllabus-Principal 2026: Exam Pattern
The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) has released the official syllabus for the EMRS Staff Selection Exam (ESSE) 2025 for the post of Principal. Candidates aspiring to lead Eklavya Model Residential Schools must go through the detailed Tier-I and Tier-II syllabus to streamline their preparation
Contents
ESSE Exam Pattern Overview
Based on the pattern of similar prestigious government recruitment exams, the ESSE for the Principal post typically follows a Computer-Based Test (CBT) or offline mode structure. The exam generally comprises two papers:
- Mode of Exam: Computer-Based Test (CBT) or Pen & Paper (OMR Sheet).
- Duration: Paper I: 90 Minutes; Paper II: 90 Minutes.
- Number of Questions: 150 questions per paper (likely).
- Total Marks: 300 Marks (150 marks each).
- Negative Marking: Generally, 0.25 marks are deducted for every incorrect answer.
Download Official Syllabus PDF
Detailed Syllabus 2026
The examination is divided into two major tiers, covering everything from general aptitude to administrative and financial rules.+1
Part I: Reasoning & Numeric Ability
This section tests the analytical and mathematical skills of the candidate.
- Key Topics: Puzzles & Seating arrangement, Data sufficiency, and Statement-based questions (Verbal reasoning).
- Logical Reasoning: Inequality, Blood relations, Sequences and Series, Direction Test, Assertion and Reason, and Venn Diagrams.
Part II: General Awareness
- Focus Area: General knowledge and Current affairs with a special emphasis on the field of education.
Part III: Academics & Residential Aspects
This section is crucial for understanding the educational environment of residential schools.+1
- Child Development & Pedagogy: Physical, intellectual, emotional, and social development.+1
- Adolescence: Problems of adolescence and the role of home, school, hostel, and society in addressing them.
- Learning: Concepts, factors affecting learning, motivation, learning outcomes, and pedagogical leadership.+1
- Perspective in Education: National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Government Acts/Policies on children, school organization, and Good Governance.+1
- Teaching & Management: Digital learning initiatives by the Government, Curriculum planning, and Academic implementation.+1
Part IV: Administration & Finance
As a Principal, knowledge of government rules and financial management is essential.+1
- Service Rules: CCS (CCA) Rules, CCS (Conduct Rules), and Medical Attendance Rules.+2
- Financial Rules: Fundamental and Supplementary Rules (FR/SR), TA Rules, PFMS, GeM (Government e-Marketplace), GFR, and Income Tax.+2
- Benefits: CPF & NPS (as admissible to EMRS employees) and LTC Rules.+2
- Governance: Legal Framework, RTI, ICT Knowledge, and Protection against Sexual Harassment at the workplace.+2
- Leadership: Problem-solving, decision-making, and leadership skills.+2
Part V: Language Competency
Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in both English and Hindi.
General English:
- Grammar: Verb, Tenses, Voice, Subject-Verb Agreement, Articles, Adverbs, and Error Correction.
- Vocabulary: Antonyms/Synonyms, Idioms & Phrases.
- Comprehension: Unseen Passages, Fill in the Blanks, and Sentence Rearrangement.
General Hindi (เคธเคพเคฎเคพเคจเฅเคฏ เคนเคฟเคเคฆเฅ):
- เคธเคเคงเคฟ, เคธเคฎเคพเคธ, เคตเคฟเคฒเฅเคฎ เคถเคฌเฅเคฆ, เคชเคฐเฅเคฏเคพเคฏเคตเคพเคเฅ เคถเคฌเฅเคฆ.
- เคธเคพเคฎเคพเคจเฅเคฏ เค เคถเฅเคฆเฅเคงเคฟเคฏเคพเค, เคตเคพเคเฅเคฏเคพเคเคถเฅเค เคเฅ เคฒเคฟเค เคเค เคถเคฌเฅเคฆ.
- เคฎเฅเคนเคพเคตเคฐเฅ-เคฒเฅเคเฅเคเฅเคคเคฟเคฏเคพเค เคเคฐ เค เคชเค เคฟเคค เคเคฆเฅเคฏเคพเคเคถ.
Preparation Tip: Focus heavily on NEP 2020 and Administrative Rules (CCS Rules), as these are core areas for the Principal position in EMRS schools.
Preparation Tips for ESSE 2026
- Standard Books: Refer to standard guidebooks for General Aptitude and previous years’ papers of SSC CGL/CHSL or CSAT for Paper I practice.
- Focus on Pedagogy: Since Paper II is crucial for a Principal role, focus deeply on educational psychology and administration standards set by CBSE/NCERT.
- Time Management: Practice mock tests to manage the sectional timing effectively.
Official Source and Verification
Candidates are advised that the final syllabus and exam pattern are determined by the conducting authority. Please visit the official website of the National Education Society for Tribal Groups (NEST) or the EMRS recruitment portal to download the official notification and verify the latest updates regarding the syllabus.
