At least 17 tribal students from remote villages of Maharashtra's Gondia and Gadchiroli district have reached a step closer to studying at an Indian Institute Technology (IIT) by clearing the JEE Mains after they were coached under a state-run programme, an official said on Tuesday.

These students have qualified to appear for JEE Advance after they underwent the tribal development department's four-month residential coaching programme at Borgaon Bazar in the district, he said.