The present study aimed to examine emotional intelligence (EI) among tribal and non-tribal adolescents of Jharkhand and to explore its relationship with parenting styles. Specifically, the study assessed the level of EI among tribal and non-tribal adolescents, examined differences in EI with respect to varying levels of parental acceptance and rejection (PAR), investigated the association between the dimensions of PAR and EI, along with its components, and analyzed the moderating role of ethnicity in the relationship between parental scores and EI. The sample consisted of 480 adolescents selected through a mixed sampling procedure involving purposive, random and stratified sampling techniques. Data were collected using the Parental Acceptance–Rejection Questionnaire to measure perceived parenting style and an Emotional Intelligence Scale to assess the level of EI. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 27. The findings revealed significant differences in EI between tribal and non-tribal adolescents as well as across groups characterized by varying levels of PAR. Among the dimensions of PAR, warmth/affection showed a positive association with EI, whereas aggression, neglect, and rejection were negatively associated with EI and its dimensions. Furthermore, ethnicity was found to positively moderate the relationship between parental scores and EI among adolescents belonging to the highly accepted parental group.