EMRS JSA Exam Pattern : Tier I, Tier II and Skill Test

The EMRS JSA exam pattern has three stages under the EMRS Staff Selection Exam (ESSE): a qualifying Tier I aptitude paper, a merit-deciding Tier II computer paper, and a qualifying typing skill test. NESTS (National Education Society for Tribal Students) recruits Junior Secretariat Assistants for Eklavya Model Residential Schools through this exam, and CBSE conducted both written tiers of ESSE 2025 in offline OMR mode.

The structure changed in 2025. JSA candidates used to sit a single written paper followed by typing, but now Tier I only filters candidates and Tier II alone decides merit. This page sets out marks, questions and timing for each stage, explains the negative marking, and turns the numbers into a plan for using your time. Section-wise figures are as reported from the ESSE 2025 information bulletin; check the official PDF before the next cycle.

EMRS JSA Exam Pattern

Tier I Exam Pattern

Tier I is a 100-question objective paper with six parts and no separate time limit for each part.

Tier I is qualifying. NESTS publishes a category-wise cut-off and shortlists candidates who reach it for Tier II, reported at about 10 times the number of vacancies. For ESSE 2025, Tier I was held on 13, 14 and 21 December 2025, and the cut-off for Tier II shortlisting was released on 31 January 2026.

Tier II Exam Pattern

Tier II tests subject knowledge, which for JSA means computer knowledge. It combines objective and descriptive questions in one paper.

The Tier II window for ESSE 2025 was 22 to 25 March 2026, and the JSA Tier II result was declared on 5 September 2026. The marks-per-question column is worked out from the totals; NESTS has not published a question-wise mark split for the descriptive part.

Approaching the descriptive questions

NESTS has not released sample descriptive questions for JSA, but the syllabus makes the likely style clear: short answers that explain a computer concept, list the steps of a task or compare two items. A simple structure works for most of them:

1. Define: One or two sentences on what the concept is.

2. Explain in points: Three or four key features, steps or differences.

3. Give an example: A real use, such as a shortcut, a menu path or an everyday case.

For instance, an answer on the difference between RAM and ROM could define each, compare them on volatility, speed and use in four points, and end with an example of where each is used. Keep answers neat and to the point, because evaluators reward clarity more than length.

Marking Scheme and Negative Marking

• Correct answer: 1 mark for each objective question.

• Wrong answer: One-third of a mark is deducted.

• Unattempted: No penalty.

• Descriptive answers: Marked by evaluators, with no negative marking reported.

The one-third deduction is supported by the published Tier I cut-offs, which end in fractions such as 62.667 and 58.333. Confirm the exact rule in the next information bulletin, because some older pages still quote a 0.25 penalty.

Your net objective score works out as $\text{Correct} - \frac{\text{Wrong}}{3}$. For example, 75 correct and 15 wrong gives 75 minus 5, which is 70.

Mode, Medium and OMR Rules

Both written tiers of ESSE 2025 were pen-and-paper exams. Objective answers are marked on an OMR sheet, and the Tier II descriptive answers are written in the answer booklet provided. This matters because OMR exams have their own risks that an online test does not.

• Bubbling takes time: Filling 100 bubbles carefully takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Build this into your Tier I plan instead of leaving it to the last moment.

• Errors cannot be undone: Overwriting or partial bubbles may be read wrongly. Use the pen type given in the admit card instructions and darken each circle fully.

• Roll number and booklet series: Wrong entries can make the whole sheet invalid. Fill them first, before you read a single question.

• Answer keys and challenges: NESTS released OMR images and provisional keys after each tier (6 January 2026 for Tier I and 14 May 2026 for Tier II) with a short window to challenge answers. Save your question booklet details so you can check your score.

The language parts test General English and General Hindi separately, so both are compulsory. For the medium of the other sections, follow the instructions printed on your admit card and question booklet.

What the Pattern Means for You

• Tier I needs a safe margin, not a top score: In ESSE 2025, the UR cut-off was reported at 68 out of 100. Aim for the mid-70s in mocks to feel safe in any category.

• Reasoning and quant are half of Tier I: Together they carry 50 marks, so they decide whether you clear the cut-off.

• Every wrong guess costs a third of a mark: Three wrong answers wipe out one right one. Guess only when you can rule out at least two options.

• Descriptive answers carry 60 percent of Tier II: A strong objective score alone will not win a seat. Clear, structured written answers on computer topics matter most.

Section-wise Approach for Tier I

Not every mark in Tier I costs the same effort. The table below compares the sections by how quickly marks can be earned and suggests a realistic target for a candidate aiming at about 75 out of 100.

These targets are a planning guide, not official figures. Adjust them after your first few full mocks: if quant is your strength, push it higher and accept a lower general awareness score.

Typing Skill Test

Candidates shortlisted on Tier II merit are called for a typing test on a computer. The required speed is 35 words per minute in English or 30 words per minute in Hindi, the same speed listed in the eligibility conditions.

In ESSE 2023, the JSA skill test was held from 15 to 17 May 2024 in New Delhi, and document verification followed in June 2024. That gives a rough idea of the gap between result and skill test, but the 2025 dates will be announced separately.

How to prepare for the typing test

• Measure your speed now: Take a 10-minute typing test and note words per minute and errors. This is your baseline.

• Practise daily, not in bursts: 20 minutes every day improves speed more than two hours once a week.

• Use touch typing: Looking at the keyboard caps your speed. Learn home-row finger placement even if it slows you down for the first two weeks.

• Build a margin: Aim for 40 or more wpm in English (or 35 or more in Hindi) so that exam nerves do not drop you below the required speed.

• Practise on unfamiliar text: Type passages from newspapers or official documents rather than repeating the same paragraph.

How the Final Merit Is Prepared

1. Clear Tier I: Reach your category's cut-off. Tier I marks are not carried forward.

2. Score in Tier II: Candidates are ranked on Tier II marks out of 100.

3. Pass the typing test: It is qualifying, so passing keeps you in the list, but extra speed adds no marks.

4. Clear document verification: Selection is final only after certificates and category claims are verified.

Worked example: Candidate A scores 82 in Tier I and 58 in Tier II. Candidate B scores 70 in Tier I and 64 in Tier II. If both pass the typing test, B ranks higher, because only Tier II marks count.

Time Management and Exam-Day Strategy

Tier I (120 minutes)

• First 25 minutes: Languages and computer (30 questions). They are fast and build confidence.

• Next 15 minutes: General awareness. You either know the answer or you do not, so do not linger.

• Next 70 minutes: Reasoning and quant, quick topics first and puzzles last.

• Last 10 minutes: Check OMR bubbling and roll number entries.

Tier II (180 minutes)

• Objective part, about 40 minutes: Answer quickly and mark doubtful ones to revisit.

• Descriptive part, about 120 minutes: About 8 minutes per answer, written in points with a short definition and an example.

• Review, about 20 minutes: Revisit doubtful objective items and add missing points to answers.

Old Pattern Versus New Pattern

Older pages may still show the single 130-mark paper from 2023, so follow the ESSE 2025 notification. Official ESSE 2025 notification page: https://nests.tribal.gov.in/show_content.php?lang=1&level=1&ls_id=949&lid=550