Empowering India's youth through community service, social responsibility, and collective action across 500+ universities and 40 lakh+ volunteers.
Participating in the rural health camp changed my perspective completely. Seeing the gratitude in those villagers' eyes was worth more than any classroom lesson.
The plantation drive taught me that every single tree matters. We planted 500 saplings and I visit them every month to watch them grow.
NSS gave me leadership skills no classroom could teach. Coordinating the blood donation camp, I learned empathy, responsibility, and teamwork all at once.
Join thousands of NSS volunteers building a better India, one community at a time
Source: nss.gov.in Annual Reports
Based on 6L+ enrolled volunteers across 4000+ institutions in Karnataka
Established on 24th September 1969 — Mahatma Gandhi's centenary year — NSS has shaped socially responsible youth for over 55 years
The National Service Scheme was launched on 24 September 1969 by then Education Minister Dr. V.K.R.V. Rao, starting with 40,000 volunteers at 39 universities. Today, over 42 lakh volunteers are enrolled across more than 500 universities and 51,000 educational institutions in India. In Karnataka alone, over 6 lakh volunteers are enrolled across 4,000+ colleges, with a target of 10 lakh set by the Karnataka government. The scheme became a Central Sector Scheme (CSS) from 2016–17, with 100% grant-in-aid provided by the Government of India.
"Not Me, But You"
This motto reflects the essence of democratic living and upholds selfless service. It is inspired by the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and emphasises placing community needs above individual ones. NSS Day is celebrated every year on 24th September.
Understand the community where volunteers live and work, developing empathy and social awareness
Develop a sense of civic and social responsibility through structured community programmes
Acquire leadership qualities, democratic attitudes, and organisational skills through field work
Promote unity, communal harmony, and national integration through joint service activities
Develop capacity to respond to natural disasters and community emergencies effectively
Promote environmental conservation, tree plantation, and sustainable community practices