National service scheme (NSS) :

National service scheme is a noble experiment in academic expansion. It inculcates the spirit of voluntary work among the students and teachers through sustained community interactions. It brings our academic institutions closer to society. It shows how to combine knowledge and action to achieve results, which are desirable for community development.


The overall aim of National Service Scheme is to give an extensive dimension to the higher education system and orient the student youth to community service while they are studying in educational institution. The reason for the formulation of this objective is the general realization that the college students have tendency to get alienated from the village or slum masses which constitute the majority of the population of the country. The educated youth who are expected to take the reins of administration in future are found to be unaware of the problems of the village or slum community and in certain cases are indifferent towards their needs and problems. Therefore, it is ne


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History and Philosophy of NSS :

The National service scheme under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, popularly known as NSS, was launched in 1969, in 37 Universities involving 40,000 students.


It was inaugurated on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. This scheme dates back to the concept of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation. The central theme which he tried to impress upon his student audience time and again, was that youth always keep before them the mission of social


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History and Philosophy of NSS :

The National service scheme under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, popularly known as NSS, was launched in 1969, in 37 Universities involving 40,000 students.


It was inaugurated on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. This scheme dates back to the concept of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation. The central theme which he tried to impress upon his student audience time and again, was that youth always keep before them the mission of social


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Objectives of NSS :

The broad objectives of NSS are to:


1. Understand the community in which they work.
2.Understand themselves in relation to their community.
3.Identify the needs and problems of the community and involve them in problem solving process.
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NSS Motto (Slogan) :

The motto of National Service Scheme is β€œNOT ME BUT YOU”.


This reflects the essence of democratic living and upholds the need for selfless service. The philosophy of the NSS underlines on the belief that the welfare of an individual is ultimately dependent on the welfare of the society as a whole and therefore, the NSS volunteers shall strive for the well-being of the society.

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NSS Emblem (Logo) :

The NSS symbol is based on the β€œRath” wheel of the Konark Sun Temple situated in Odisha. The red color in the badge indicates that the NSS volunteers are full of blood i.e., lively, active and full of high spirit.


It was inaugurated on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. This scheme dates back to the concept of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation. The central theme which he tried to impress upon his student audience time and again, was that youth always keep before them the mission of social


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NSS Badge

The NSS symbol is embossed on the NSS badge. The volunteers wear it while undertaking any programme of community service. The Konark wheel in the symbol has 8 bars, which represent the 24 hours of the day. The red color in the badge indicates that the NSS volunteers are full of blood i.e., lively, active and full of high spirit. The navy-blue color indicates the vastness of the sky and sea, and represents the cosmic dimension of the service.

Organizational Structure of NSS :

National Service Scheme (NSS) is a scheme of Government of India, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports. It provides opportunity to the student youth of 11th–12th class of various institutions, student youth of Technical institutions, Graduate & Post Graduate students at many institutions of India to take part in various Government service activities and programmes. Education through service is the purpose of the NSS.


The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports is the nodal Ministry for NSS and has been given administrative responsibility for the Policy Planning,
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State NSS Cell :

At the State level, there will be a State NSS Cell headed by the State Liaison Officer (SLO).

Functions of State NSS Cell:-
1.To ensure that budgetary provisions are made for NSS programme in the State budget.
2.To release grants to universities and colleges and other institutions timely.
3.To submit statements of expenditure and programme reports to Government of India.


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Programme Officer :


The Programme Officer is one of the important persons in NSS Organization who plays pivotal role and responsible for the organization of NSS Unit, implementation of NSS Programme. One Programme Officer will be in-charge of one unit only. Only those belonging to the teaching faculty will be considered for appointment as Programme Officer. The Programme Officer will be responsible to carry out the instructions issued by the Programme Coordinator of the University, NSS Regional Centre and State Liaison Officer for the implementation of NSS activities as per NSS guidelines and administrative policy directives.
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NSS Volunteers :

At college level, the NSS volunteers will be enrolled from the 1st and 2nd year degree classes. Since National Service Scheme is aimed at developing the personality of NSS Volunteers through community service, hence, all NSS activities provide an opportunity to NSS Volunteers to involve themselves in community services. Being a creative member, the students volunteers would have the exposure and experience to be the following:



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Very Short / Short Questions

Based fully on the Unit–I Liberty notes.

1.When was the National Service Scheme launched?
β†’ National Service Scheme was launched on 24 September 1969.

2.National Service Scheme is popularly known as…?
β†’ National Service Scheme is popularly known as NSS.

3.What is National Service Scheme?
β†’ NSS is a voluntary community service programme for students under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India.

4.What is the Motto of NSS?
β†’ The motto of NSS is β€œNOT ME BUT YOU”.

5.Name the three components of NSS.
β†’ The three components of NSS are students, teachers and community.

6.What does the color Navy Blue depict in NSS badge?
β†’ Navy Blue depicts the vastness of the sky and sea and cosmic dimension of service.

7.What does the color Red depict in NSS badge?
β†’ Red depicts energy, enthusiasm, vitality and active spirit of volunteers.
8.What does the giant wheel depict in NSS badge?
β†’ The giant wheel depicts the Rath Wheel of Konark Sun Temple representing progress and movement.

9.Which day is observed as NSS Day?
β†’ 24 September is observed as NSS Day.

10.Where is the NSS Headquarter located?
β†’ NSS Headquarter is located in New Delhi.

11.Who is the National Head controlling this scheme?
β†’ The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India controls NSS.

12.What is the student in NSS known as?
β†’ A student in NSS is known as an NSS Volunteer.

13.What is an NSS unit?
β†’ An NSS unit is a group of about 100 NSS volunteers in an institution.

14.Who is in-charge of an NSS Unit?
β†’ The Programme Officer is in-charge of an NSS Unit.

15.What is the nature of this scheme, whether compulsory or voluntary?
β†’ NSS is a voluntary scheme.

16.How much time a student will have to devote as an NSS volunteer to get a certificate?
β†’ A student must complete 240 hours of service in two years and 7 days special camp.

17.Who is the Programme Officer?
β†’ The Programme Officer is a teacher who supervises and manages an NSS unit.

18.How many regional centres are there in India to monitor the activities of NSS?
β†’ There are 15 NSS Regional Centres in India.

19.Write the full form of SLO, PO and PC.
β†’ SLO – State Liaison Officer
β†’ PO – Programme Officer
β†’ PC – Programme Coordinator

20.Write down the full form of TOC and TORC.
β†’ TOC – Training Orientation Centre
β†’ TORC – Training Orientation and Research Centre

21.Which Cell functions as the NSS Headquarter for all practical purposes?
β†’ Programme Adviser’s Cell (PA Cell) functions as the NSS Headquarter.

22.Who is known as public relation officer (person) in the context of NSS?
β†’ The Programme Officer acts as the public relation person in NSS.

23.What are the benefits of NSS volunteer?
β†’ NSS develops leadership, social responsibility, discipline, teamwork and community service skills.

24.What is the need for NSS volunteers to undergo orientation programme?
β†’ Orientation helps volunteers understand NSS objectives, community problems and develop service skills.

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Long Type Questions (10 Marks)

1.Explain in brief the history of NSS.
2.What are the aims and objectives of NSS?
3.Explain the organizational structure of NSS in brief.
4.Explain the function of NSS.
5.Who is a Programme Adviser? Mention the functions of the Programme Adviser.
6.Explain the functions of NSS Regional Centres.
7.Explain the duties and responsibilities of NSS Programme Coordinator.
8.Who is known as Programme Coordinator? Explain how he plays the pivotal role in implementing the NSS schemes at ground level.
9.Explain the functions of Programme Officer in detail.
10.Write down the duties and functions of NSS Volunteer in detail.


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