The National Service Scheme (NSS) is a sponsored 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 Gandhiji’s Centenary year in 1969. The motto of NSS is “Not Me But You”.

The main objectives under the National Service Scheme (NSS) are to understand the community in which they work, understand themselves in relation to their community, identify the needs and problems of the community and involve them in problem-solving, develop among themselves a sense of social and civic responsibility, utilise their knowledge in finding practical solutions to individual and community problems, develop competence required for group-living and sharing of responsibilities, gain skills in mobilising community participation, acquire leadership qualities and democratic attitudes, develop capacity to meet emergencies and natural disasters and practice national integration and social harmony.