National Service Scheme
The objective of the National Service Scheme (NSS) is to develop the personality and character of students through voluntary community service. The scheme aims to promote social responsibility, leadership, national integration, and a spirit of selfless service among youth.
About This Scheme
The “National Service Scheme” (NSS) is a Central Sector Scheme of the Government of India launched in 1969. It provides opportunities to students of senior secondary schools (+2 level), colleges, universities, and technical institutions to participate in government-led community service activities.
Under NSS, student volunteers engage in regular community service, special camps, national-level programmes, and awareness activities related to health, education, environment, national integration, disaster response, and social welfare. The scheme follows the principle of “Education through Service”, enabling students to learn by serving society. Since its inception, NSS has benefitted more than 7.4 crore students across India.
Benefits
Financial Benefits (Awards & Cash Prizes)
Outstanding NSS volunteers and institutions are rewarded under the National Service Scheme Awards:
Best University / +2 Council
➤ Cash Award: ₹5,00,000/-
Upcoming University
➤ Cash Award: ₹3,00,000/-
Best Programme Officer (10 awards)
➤ Cash Award: ₹1,50,000 each
Best NSS Unit (10 awards)
➤ Cash Award: ₹2,00,000 each
Best NSS Volunteer (30 awards)
➤ Cash Award: ₹1,00,000 each
Develops leadership qualities and confidence
Promotes social service and national integration
Provides exposure through camps and festivals
Eligibility Criteria
The applicant should be a student studying in:
Class 11th or 12th (+2 level), or Graduate, Post Graduate, or Technical courses in a recognised institution.
The applicant should be enrolled in a school, college, university, or technical institution having an NSS Unit.
The applicant should be willing to participate in community service activities and camps.
The applicant should comply with NSS guidelines and complete the prescribed service hours.
Application Process
Apply Offline
Note:
The applicant student shall contact the NSS Programme Officer of the concerned school/college/university and submit the prescribed NSS enrollment form through the institution. Selection shall be based on availability of seats and willingness to serve. After enrollment, the student shall attend orientation and participate in NSS activities and camps.
Official Source: View on myScheme.gov.in
Benefits
Financial Benefits (Awards & Cash Prizes)
Outstanding NSS volunteers and institutions are rewarded under the National Service Scheme Awards:
Best University / +2 Council
➤ Cash Award: ₹5,00,000/-
Upcoming University
➤ Cash Award: ₹3,00,000/-
Best Programme Officer (10 awards)
➤ Cash Award: ₹1,50,000 each
Best NSS Unit (10 awards)
➤ Cash Award: ₹2,00,000 each
Best NSS Volunteer (30 awards)
➤ Cash Award: ₹1,00,000 each
Develops leadership qualities and confidence
Promotes social service and national integration
Provides exposure through camps and festivals
Application Process
Apply Offline
Note:
The applicant student shall contact the NSS Programme Officer of the concerned school/college/university and submit the prescribed NSS enrollment form through the institution. Selection shall be based on availability of seats and willingness to serve. After enrollment, the student shall attend orientation and participate in NSS activities and camps.
References & Official Links
Scheme Details
| Full Name | National Service Scheme |
| Short Title | NSSC |
| Level | Central |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Ministry | Ministry Of Youth Affairs & Sports |
| Categories | Sports & Culture |
| States | All India |
| Gender | All |
| Area | Both |
| Source | www.myscheme.gov.in ↗ |
Deepika Raikwar · 📅 14 Jun 2026
Deepika Raikwar is an Education Analyst and scholarship researcher who focuses on public welfare and merit-based scholarships. She simplifies complex eligibility rules, deadlines, and application processes to help common people access reliable funding opportunities worldwide.
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