The National Service Scheme (NSS) is an Indian government sector public service program conducted by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports of the Government of India. Popularly known as NSS, the scheme was launched in Mahatma Gandhi's centenary year in 1969.

National Service Scheme (NSS) was introduced in 1969 with the primary objective of developing the personality and character of the student youth through voluntary community service. NSS attempts to establish meaningful linkages between ‘Campus and Community’, ‘College and Village’ and ‘Knowledge and Action’. ‘Education through Service’ is the purpose of the NSS. The ideological orientation of the NSS is inspired by the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi. Very appropriately, the motto of NSS is “NOT ME, BUT YOU”. An NSS volunteer places the ‘community’ before ‘self’.

NSS aims at developing the following qualities/ competencies among the volunteers:

• a)   To understand the community in which the NSS volunteers work and to understand themselves in relation to their community;
• b)   To identify the needs and problems of the community and involve themselves in problem-solving exercise;
• c)   To develop among themselves a sense of social and civic responsibility;
• d)   To utilize their knowledge in finding practical solutions to individual and community problems;
• e)   To gain skills in mobilizing community participation;
• f)   To acquire leadership qualities and democratic values;
• g)   To develop capacity to meet emergencies and natural disasters; and
• h)   To practice national integration and social harmony.