NESTS Clarifies ESSE-2025 Tier-1 Results, Rejects Misleading Claims on “Negative Marks Selection”

NESTS stated that ESSE-2025 was notified for recruitment to 7,267 teaching and non-teaching posts across Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS).

The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, has issued a strong clarification in response to certain media reports following the declaration of Tier-1 results of the ESSE-2025 recruitment examination.

NESTS said that some reports have created a misleading narrative by claiming that candidates with "low or even negative marks" have been selected, which is factually incorrect and does not reflect the notified recruitment process.

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ESSE-2025 Recruitment Covers 7,267 Posts

NESTS stated that ESSE-2025 was notified for recruitment to 7,267 teaching and non-teaching posts across Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS).

The recruitment follows a two-tier examination framework, ensuring a structured and merit-based selection process.

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Tier-1 परीक्षा केवल Screening Stage है, Final Selection नहीं

The Society clarified that the Tier-1 examination, conducted by CBSE in December 2025, is only a screening and qualifying stage meant to shortlist candidates for Tier-2.

As per the ESSE-2025 notification:

• Candidates are shortlisted in the ratio of 1:10 for each post

• Tier-1 cut-off is determined purely by the number of candidates needed for shortlisting

• Tier-1 scores do not determine final appointment

Thus, Tier-1 cut-offs are based on competition dynamics, not final suitability.

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Low or Negative Cut-Off Does Not Mean Appointment

NESTS emphasised that the marking scheme, including negative marking, was clearly mentioned in the official notification.

The presence of low or negative cut-offs in Tier-1 only reflects:

• Relative performance of candidates

• Competitive shortlisting requirements

• Not any dilution of standards

It does not imply that candidates with negative marks are eligible for appointment.

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Final Merit Depends Only on Tier-2 + Interview (Where Applicable)

NESTS reiterated that final selection is determined exclusively through Tier-2, which is:

• Subject-specific

• Evaluative in nature

• Designed to ensure professional competence

For the post of Principal, the process includes:

• Tier-2 examination

• Followed by an interview

This ensures that only qualified and competent candidates are selected for leadership roles.

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Minimum Qualifying Marks Mandatory in Tier-2

The Society highlighted that candidates must secure minimum qualifying marks in Tier-2:

• 30% for General category

• 25% for SC/ST/Divyang candidates

Candidates failing to meet these minimum benchmarks are automatically disqualified, irrespective of Tier-1 performance.

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Salary Figures Apply Only After Final Selection

NESTS also clarified that salary levels quoted in some reports are standard government pay scales and become applicable only after:

• Completion of Tier-2

• Interviews (where required)

• Final appointment

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Transparent, Rule-Based Recruitment प्रक्रिया

Reaffirming the integrity of the process, NESTS stated that ESSE-2025 recruitment is being conducted in a:

• Transparent

• Rule-based

• Merit-driven manner

The Society urged media organisations to verify facts before publication so that the public is not misled by inaccurate interpretations of Tier-1 screening cut-offs.