NESTS Partners with CoGrad to Strengthen Digital Learning in EMRSs

As part of the partnership, CoGrad will provide free access for two years to a customized version of its educator-focused platform, Medha AI.

Teachers working in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) across India will soon have access to artificial intelligence-powered tools designed to make teaching more effective and engaging. The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with education technology company CoGrad to introduce AI-driven support across the EMRS network. The agreement was signed in the presence of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs Secretary Smt. Ranjana Chopra. Senior officials, including Shri B.N. Prasad, Joint Secretary in the Ministry, and Dr Pratima, Commissioner of NESTS, also attended the event. The collaboration is expected to support more than 9,000 teachers working in 499 functional EMRSs across the country. The initiative is likely to indirectly benefit over 1.5 lakh tribal students by helping educators improve classroom instruction and academic support.

AI Tools Designed to Make Teaching Easier

As part of the partnership, CoGrad will provide free access for two years to a customized version of its educator-focused platform, Medha AI. The platform has been specially tailored to meet the needs of teachers, school leaders and academic administrators working within the EMRS system. The platform offers a range of AI-powered features aimed at reducing routine workload and improving teaching quality. Teachers will be able to generate quizzes and assessments automatically, prepare lesson plans more efficiently and create teaching-learning materials suited to different classroom requirements.

One of the standout features of the platform is its ability to create 3D models and interactive learning resources, helping teachers explain complex concepts in a more visual and engaging manner. The tools are intended to encourage innovative classroom practices and make learning experiences more dynamic for students.

Training and Digital Capacity Building at the Core

Technology alone is not enough to improve learning outcomes. Recognizing this, CoGrad will also conduct structured orientation programmes and hands-on training sessions for teachers, principals and academic administrators. The training will focus on helping educators effectively integrate AI tools into their day-to-day teaching and school management activities. The initiative is expected to strengthen digital capabilities across the EMRS ecosystem, allowing teachers to spend more time on student engagement while using technology to support planning, assessment and content creation.

Officials believe the partnership aligns closely with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes the use of technology to improve educational access and quality. The programme also supports the broader vision of a technology-enabled and inclusive Viksit Bharat by ensuring that students in tribal communities have access to modern educational practices and learning opportunities.

By bringing AI-powered tools into tribal schools, the collaboration seeks to create a more supportive learning environment, enhance teacher effectiveness and help students build the skills needed for an increasingly digital future.