The National Scholarship Portal (NSP) has introduced a major update for the academic year 2025–26 by launching the One-Time Registration (OTR) system. This new feature is designed to simplify the entire scholarship application journey for students across India. Instead of creating new registrations every year, students can now complete OTR once and use the same unique 14-digit number for all future scholarship applications throughout their academic career.
With increasing digitalization and the need for accurate student verification, OTR ensures better data management, minimizes duplication, and enhances transparency. The integration of Aadhaar-based eKYC and face authentication also improves the reliability of the system, making NSP more efficient and user-friendly. Students who complete their OTR can access multiple scholarship schemes, track applications easily, and eliminate errors caused by repeated manual entries.
As NSP has now made OTR mandatory for AY 2025–26, it is important for students to understand how OTR works, who can apply, what documents are required, and how to generate OTR using the portal and mobile app.
What Is OTR and How It Works?
OTR (One-Time Registration) is a unique 14-digit number generated based on a student’s Aadhaar or Aadhaar Enrollment ID (EID). After completing eKYC and verification, the OTR number is sent to the user’s registered mobile number and remains valid for the student’s entire academic career.
Key Features of OTR
- Single registration for all scholarships
- Aadhaar-based verification
- Eliminates annual registration
- Ensures accuracy in student data
- Valid for lifetime academic use
- Accessible across mobile, laptop, and tablet
OTR Explained in Hindi (Short Summary)
ओ.टी.आर (एकल अवसरीय पंजीकरण) एक अद्वितीय 14-अंकीय नंबर है जो छात्र ई-केवाईसी और फेस ऑथेंटिकेशन पूरा करने के बाद प्राप्त करते हैं। यह नंबर पूरे शैक्षणिक करियर तक मान्य रहता है और बार-बार पंजीकरण करने की आवश्यकता खत्म करता है।
Advantages of Introducing OTR in NSP 2025
The shift to OTR has transformed how students interact with NSP. Below are the major advantages:
1. Simplified Application Process
Students submit their details once and use the same OTR every year.
2. Reduced Errors & Redundancy
Fewer manual entries lead to fewer mistakes during submission.
3. Efficient Data Management
Centralized student information ensures consistent and accurate records.
4. Faster Application Processing
Verified data helps authorities review and approve applications quickly.
5. Better Transparency
Students can trace all applications linked to their OTR.
Benefits of OTR for Students (Summary Table)
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Single-time registration | No repeat registration every year |
| Time-saving | Faster scholarship application process |
| Reduced errors | Less manual entry, fewer mistakes |
| Quick processing | Verified data accelerates approval |
| Multiple schemes | One OTR for all NSP scholarships |
| Transparent system | Better tracking and updates |
General Eligibility for OTR in NSP 2025
Students must meet basic criteria to create their OTR:
- Must be an Indian citizen
- Enrolled in a recognised educational institution
- Should meet the specific scholarship eligibility criteria
- Must follow the income guidelines of respective schemes
Note: Eligibility varies depending on the scholarship. Students should generate OTR early to avoid last-minute delays.
Documents & Information Needed for OTR
If you have Aadhaar:
- Active mobile number
- Aadhaar number
- Mobile number linked to Aadhaar
- NPCI seeding (recommended)
If you don’t have Aadhaar:
- Active mobile number
- Aadhaar enrollment slip or Parent/Guardian Aadhaar (for minors)
- EID-linked mobile number
- NPCI seeding (recommended)
OTR Process: How It Works Step-by-Step
The OTR process broadly includes:
- Collection of personal information
- Verification of identity using Aadhaar/eKYC
- Secure storage of verified data
- Future use of same credentials for all applications
This eliminates repeated verification and ensures accurate data throughout the student’s academic journey.
Detailed Steps to Generate OTR on NSP
1. Registration
- Visit NSP and click New Registration
- Accept the guidelines
- Enter details: name, DOB, mobile, email
- A temporary Application ID is generated
2. Profile Creation
- Login using Application ID and password
- Complete address, academic details, and bank info
3. Upload Documents
- Upload educational certificates
- Identity proof
- Domicile certificate
- Bank passbook
4. Apply for Scholarship
- Select eligible scholarship scheme
- Enter required information
- Submit form
5. Verification
- Institute verifies data
- Authorities validate documents
- Any errors must be corrected by the student
6. Approval & Disbursement
- Once approved, funds are transferred through DBT
- Bank account must be NPCI-seeded
7. Tracking & Updates
- Check status on NSP portal
- SMS and email updates sent automatically
Face Authentication & Reference Number Instructions (AY 2025–26)
For Students Who Already Have OTR:
- These students can directly apply using their OTR
- If OTR not received via SMS, use Know Your OTR option
For Students With Reference Number (No Face Authentication Yet):
- These students completed OTP-based eKYC
- Must complete Face Authentication using mobile app
- After successful verification, OTR will be generated
For Students Using Aadhaar Enrollment ID (EID):
- Must complete OTR using Get Your OTR option
- Face authentication required after EID verification
NSP OTR Mobile App: Features & How It Works
The NSP OTR App (Aadhaar Face RD App) helps students complete OTR easily on their mobile devices.
Key Features
- Easy, user-friendly registration
- Aadhaar or EID verification
- OTP-based mobile authentication
- Automatic OTR generation
- Offline access (limited features)
How to Use the App
- Install Aadhaar Face RD App from Play Store
- Register using mobile number
- Fill personal and academic details
- Complete Aadhaar verification
- Validate mobile number via OTP
- Perform face authentication
- Receive 14-digit OTR
Important Tips
- Keep Aadhaar ready
- Ensure stable internet
- Enter details accurately
- Save your OTR number safely
Important Dates for NSP OTR 2025
| Activity | Status / Timeline |
|---|---|
| OTR Start (AY 2025–26) | Already Begun |
| Face Authentication | Mandatory |
| Scholarship Applications | Open Phase |
