National Service Scheme is a central government educational programme launched on 24th September, 1969, the birth centenary year of Mahatma Gandhi. It is functioning under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports at the national level and under the Ministry of Higher Education at the state level.

The major aim of the National Service Scheme is the development of the personality of students through community service. It provides an extension dimension to the higher education system and orient the student youth to community service while they study in an educational institution. The NSS activities have been divided into two major groups, Regular NSS activities of 240 hours and a seven-day Special Camping Programme.