National service scheme

National Service Scheme (NSS) was launched during 1969, the birth centenary year of Mahatma Gandhi, in 37 universities involving 40000 students. NSS is an extension dimension to the higher education system to orient the student youth to community service while they are studying in educational institutions. It is being implemented by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India.

Aims and objectives of NSS

  1. To understand the community in which they work;
  2. To understand themselves in relation to their community;
  3. To identify the needs and problems of the community and involve them in problem solving process.
  4. To develop among themselves a sense of social and civic responsibility;
  5. To utilise their knowledge in finding practical solution to individual and community problems;
  6. To develop competence required for group-living and sharing of responsibilities:
  7. To gain skills in mobilising community participation;
  8. To acquire leadership qualities and democratic attitude;
  9. To develop capacity to meet emergencies and natural disasters; and
  10. To practice national integration and social harmony

Motto of NSS

The motto or watchword of the National Service Scheme is "NOT ME BUT YOU".

NSS Symbol

The NSS symbol is based on the "Rath" wheel of the Konark Sun Temple situated in Odisha.

The navy blue colour indicates the cosmos of which the NSS is a tiny part, ready to contribute its share for the welfare of the mankind.

The Red colour in the badge indicates that the NSS volunteers are full of blood i.e. lively, active, energetic and full of high spirit.

The giant wheels of the Sun Temple portray the cycle of creation, preservation and release, and signify the movement in life across time and space.

Enrollment in NSS

NSS is a voluntary scheme. NSS scheme starts from 11th Standard onwards. At college level the NSS volunteers will be enrolled from the first and second year degree-class students. The students from foreign countries studying in Indian universities can also join NSS so that they may share the experiences of national reconstruction and community work. NCC cadets will not be allowed to join NSS. Similarly NSS volunteers will not participate in NCC or any other youth organisation as long as they are in NSS.

An NSS volunteer needs to devote a total of 240 hours social service in two years duration. Every year, a NSS volunteer has to devote 20 hrs. of orientation and 100 hrs. of community service.

To enrol as NSS volunteer, contact the NSS Programme Officer of your school / college. Enrollment in NSS is free.

The NSS volunteers on successful completion of the required hours of service are issued a certificate. NSS volunteers can get some weightage during admissions in higher studies and other benefits as decided by the institutions/university.

Administrative structure in NSS

At School / college level

The unit at college/+2 level is the grass-root unit in NSS. An institution will be allotted NSS units according to the strength of students. The number of units will be allotted by the Programme Coordinator in consultation with NSS Regional Directorate and State NSS Officer considering the demands of the institution. The strength of a unit will be 100 NSS volunteers normally. A Programme Officer will be incharge of a NSS unit. Ony those belonging to the teaching faculty will be considered for appointment as Programme Officer. Programme Officer will be responsible for the organisation of NSS unit, implementation of NSS programme under the supervision and direction of Principal of the college or head of the institution.

At University level

Every University has an NSS Cell to supervise and coordinate NSS Programme in Colleges affiliated to it. The Universities having strength of more than 10000 NSS volunteers have full time Programme Coordinators. The Universities having strength of less than 10000 NSS volunteers h ave part time programme coordinators.

At state level

At the State level, a State NSS Cell headed by the State Liaison Officer (SLO) coordinates the programme. The Government of India extends cent percent financial assistance for establishing the State NSS Cell.

At Regional level

NSS Regional Centes have been established in the country to maintain liaison with the State Governments, Universities, +2 Councils and TOC/TORCs for the effective implementation of NSS Programme. NSS Regional Centre (RC) which is a subordinate field office of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports is established depending upon the volunteers strength and size of the state. It is either headed by a Deputy Programme Adviser or an Assistant Programme Adviser. The Deputy Programme Adviser/Assistant Programme Adviser belong to Group-A grade of the Central Government Service.

Present status

Today NSS has about 3.86 million student youth enrolled in 41,442 NSS units spread over through 396 Universities/ +2 Councils, 16,331 Colleges/ Technical Institutions and 28,621 Senior Secondary Schools across the country.

Activities undertaken by NSS

  1. National Integration Camp
  2. Shramdaan
  3. Blood donation
  4. Immunisation
  5. Plantation
  6. Disaster Management
  7. Adventure programs.

Last Modified : 7/3/2023