The Government of India has launched the new National Scholarship Portal (NSP 2.0) in 2025. As a result, starting from the academic year 2025–26, it is mandatory for all students who wish to apply for the NSP Scholarship to complete One-Time Registration (OTR) on the new portal. Only after completing the NSP OTR process will students be allowed to log in to the new NSP portal.
On this page, we have explained what NSP OTR is, how to complete the OTR process, and some relevant FAQs.
What is NSP OTR?
NSP OTR stands for National Scholarship Portal One-Time Registration. It is a registration process for new users or students to create an account on the NSP portal using their Aadhaar card and personal details. As the name suggests, this is a one-time registration process, and students do not need to register every year.
After successful registration, students will receive an OTR number, which is valid for a lifetime and will serve as the User ID for logging in to the NSP portal.
Who Should Undergo the NSP OTR?
All Indian students who are applying for a fresh or renewal NSP scholarship must complete the NSP OTR process before submitting their application on the NSP portal.
In addition, some state governments have also made NSP OTR mandatory for applying for state-based scholarships. Therefore, students are advised to refer to their respective state scholarship portals for detailed information.
Step-by-Step Process to Complete NSP OTR Registration
NSP OTR registration can be completed using two methods:
- Through the National Scholarship Portal
- Through the NSP-OTR mobile app available on the Google Play Store
In both methods, the registration process remains the same. However, if you register through the NSP portal, the final e-KYC (face authentication) must be completed using the NSP OTR mobile app only. For better understanding, we have explained the complete registration process using the NSP OTR app below.
Step 1: Go to the Google Play Store, search for NSP OTR, and install the app. Similarly, search for Aadhaar Face RD and install this app as well (it is required to complete face authentication). Alternatively, you can use the download links provided below to install both apps.
Step 2: Open the NSP OTR app and select the “Register” option on the home screen. Some guidelines will be displayed—read them carefully, agree to the guidelines, and click the Next button.
Step 3: Enter your active mobile number (preferably the student’s own mobile number) and click Send OTP. After receiving the OTP, enter it in the given field, fill in the captcha displayed on the screen, and click Verify.
Step 4: Enter your Aadhaar number (or Aadhaar Enrollment ID if Aadhaar has not been issued yet) and click Get OTP. You will receive an OTP on the mobile number linked with your Aadhaar. Enter the OTP and click Verify to proceed with e-KYC using face authentication.
Step 5: Ensure that all required permissions, such as camera access, are enabled for the Aadhaar Face RD app before proceeding with face authentication. After clicking the Verify button, the app will ask for your Aadhaar consent. Once you accept the consent, the camera will open.
Show your face to the camera and remain still. Make sure you are in a well-lit area. The app will automatically capture your photo and update it in the NSP OTR form.
Step 6: Once face authentication is successfully completed, your OTR number will be generated and displayed instantly on the screen. You will also receive the OTR number on your registered mobile number.
You can use this OTR number to log in to the NSP portal, and you may also be required to provide this OTR number while applying for state scholarship’s , if requested by the respective state scholarship portal’s.
FAQ’s
Is NSP OTR mandatory for all scholarship applicants?
Yes. From the academic year 2025–26 onwards, completing NSP OTR (One-Time Registration) is mandatory for all students who want to apply for fresh or renewal scholarships on the National Scholarship Portal.
Do I need to complete NSP OTR every year?
No. OTR is a one-time registration process. Once your OTR number is generated, it is valid for a lifetime, and you can use the same number every year.
Can I apply for NSP scholarships without completing OTR?
No. Students cannot log in or submit scholarship applications on the NSP portal without completing the OTR process.
Is Aadhaar compulsory for NSP OTR registration?
Yes. Aadhaar is required for OTR registration. However, students who do not have Aadhaar yet can use their Aadhaar Enrollment ID to complete the registration.
On which mobile number will I receive the OTP during OTR registration?
OTP will be sent to:
Your entered mobile number during registration, and
The mobile number linked with your Aadhaar (for Aadhaar verification)
Make sure both numbers are active and accessible.Can I complete NSP OTR registration without the mobile app?
You can start the registration process on the NSP website, but the final e-KYC (face authentication) must be completed using the NSP OTR mobile app only.
What should I do if face authentication fails?
Ensure that:
a. Camera permission is enabled for the Aadhaar Face RD app
b. You are in a well-lit area
c. Your face is clearly visible and steady
If it still fails, try again after some time or reinstall the Aadhaar Face RD app.Is the NSP OTR number required for state scholarships?
Yes. Some state scholarship portals have made NSP OTR mandatory. In such cases, you must enter your OTR number while applying on the state portal.
What should I do if I forget or lose my OTR number?
You can retrieve your OTR number by using “forgot OTR number” option in the NSP portal or checking the SMS received on your registered mobile number.
Is NSP OTR free of cost?
Yes. OTR registration is completely free. Students do not have to pay any fees to generate their OTR number.
I have applied for NSP scholarships in previous years. Do I need to complete NSP OTR for renewal?
Yes. NSP OTR is mandatory for all students, irrespective of whether the application is fresh or renewal. Even if you have applied for NSP scholarships in previous years, you must complete the OTR process to continue applying from the academic year 2025–26 onwards.
The NSP OTR app is not working. What should I do?
Some students have reported technical issues with the NSP OTR app. These issues are known and are expected to be resolved by the concerned authorities at the earliest. In the meantime, you can try:
a. Reinstalling the app
b. Updating the app to the latest version
c. Trying again after some time