The National Service Scheme (NSS) is a Central Sector Scheme of the Government of India, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports. It provides an opportunity for the student youth of India to take part in various government-led community service activities & programmes. The sole aim of the NSS is to provide hands-on experience to young students in delivering community service. Popularly known as NSS, the scheme was launched in Gandhiji\'s Centenary year in 1969. The programme aims to instil the idea of social welfare in students and to provide service to society without bias. NSS volunteers work to ensure that needy people get help to enhance their standard of living and lead a life of dignity. In doing so, volunteers learn from people in villages how to lead a good life despite a scarcity of resources.

All the youth volunteers who opt to serve the nation through the NSS-led community service wear the NSS badge with pride and a sense of responsibility towards helping the needy.
The Konark wheel in the NSS badge having 8 bars signifies the 24 hours of the day, reminding the wearer to be ready for the service of the nation round the clock i.e. for 24 hours. The red colour in the badge signifies the energy and spirit displayed by the NSS volunteers and the Blue colour signifies the cosmos of which the NSS is a tiny part, ready to contribute its share for the welfare of mankind.

The motto or watchword of the National Service Scheme is: ‘NOT ME BUT YOU’. This reflects the essence of democratic living and upholds the need for selfless service and appreciation of the other person’s point of view and also to show consideration for fellow human beings. It underlines that the welfare of an individual is ultimately dependent on the welfare of society on a whole. Therefore, it should be the aim of the NSS to demonstrate this motto in its day-to-day programme.