Eleven students from Odisha’s Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) qualified in JEE Main 2026 (Phase I), marking a milestone for tribal education in the state.
The achievement highlights the growing academic excellence of EMRS institutions.
Leading the group, Avish Alam from EMRS Karanjia secured a 97.50 percentile. Other qualifiers include Rinkirani Naik, Sunil Kumar Naik, and Sunia Hembram from EMRS Ranki; Samu Paleya from EMRS Karanjia; Estiphan Hembram, Pujarani Kisan, Deepa Kisan, Rabin Oram, and Salkhu Hembram from EMRS Lahunipara; and Thakur Murmu from EMRS Bhangriposi. EMRS Lahunipara recorded the highest number of qualifiers with five students.
Eight of these achievers have been selected for specialised JEE Advanced coaching under the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) in New Delhi. The selected group includes three students each from EMRS Karanjia and EMRS Lahunipara, one from EMRS Ranki, and one from EMRS Bhangriposi. They travelled to the capital, accompanied by escort teacher Priyanka Kumari.
Pranati Patro, Joint Director of the Odisha Model Tribal Education Society, expressed gratitude to NESTS Commissioner Ajeet Kumar Srivastav for supporting the initiative. She emphasised that the program reflects the government’s commitment to empowering tribal students with access to quality education and competitive opportunities.
