The One Time Registration (OTR) on the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) gives every student a unique number that is valid for the whole study career. You get it in two steps: enter your Aadhaar and mobile details to receive a reference number, then complete Aadhaar face authentication in the NSP OTR mobile app. Last checked October 2026.
There is no fee for OTR. Anyone asking money for it is not following the official process.
Quick facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Official portal | scholarships.gov.in |
| Cost | Free |
| Validity | Once generated, it stays valid for the student’s academic career |
| Needed | Aadhaar (or enrolment ID), Aadhaar-linked mobile number, Android phone with camera |
| Apps | NSP OTR app and Aadhaar FaceRD app (Google Play Store) |
| 2026-27 last date (reported) | 31 October 2026 for pre-matric and post-matric, per Careers360 |
What is OTR and why do you need it?
OTR is a unique registration number created after an Aadhaar-based eKYC. Once you have it, you do not need to register again for each scholarship. For many central schemes, and for several state scholarships that use NSP, it is mandatory. Some states, such as Haryana and Chhattisgarh, ask you to complete OTR first and then continue on their own portal.
A student should have only one OTR. According to an official presentation we read, multiple OTRs for the same student can lead to debarment from scholarships. If you already generated one in an earlier year, use “Forgot OTR” on the login page instead of making another.
What you need before you start
- Aadhaar number. The mobile number linked with Aadhaar receives the OTP.
- Father’s name, mother’s name and email address.
- An Android phone with a working front camera and internet.
- The NSP OTR app and the UIDAI Aadhaar FaceRD app installed from the Play Store.
If a child does not have Aadhaar, the official guidance allows an Aadhaar enrolment ID (EID). The Aadhaar must then be submitted within 30 days or the registration is cancelled. A minor without Aadhaar can register using a parent’s or guardian’s Aadhaar, and a guardian can generate up to two OTRs for two minor children.
Step-by-step: generate OTR
Step 1. Get the reference number
- Open scholarships.gov.in and go to the OTR option.
- Enter the Aadhaar number and the Aadhaar-registered mobile number and verify with the OTP.
- Fill in the parents’ names and email address.
- Note the temporary reference number shown on the screen.
Step 2. Complete face authentication
- Open the NSP OTR app and choose “eKYC by FaceAuth”.
- Enter the reference number, request the OTP, then enter the OTP and captcha.
- Review your details and continue to face authentication using the Aadhaar FaceRD app.
- When your face matches, the OTR number is generated and sent by SMS. Set your password.
Save the OTR number and password. You will use them to log in and apply for any scholarship.
Tips for successful face authentication
- Use bright, even light and keep your face straight. Remove spectacles or a cap if the app has trouble.
- Make sure the name and details match your Aadhaar record. A mismatch can fail the check.
- Update the Aadhaar FaceRD app if you see Error 904. Careers360 lists this as a fix.
- If your biometrics are locked in Aadhaar, check on the mAadhaar app or the My Aadhaar portal, unlock them, and then try again.
Changing a mobile number
If the number in your OTR is no longer in use, the official guidance says to go to the OTR login page and choose “Change mobile no.” Then enter your OTR number, verify with OTP, enter the new number and verify again.
After OTR: how to apply for a scholarship
- Log in to NSP with your OTR number and password.
- Pick a scheme you are eligible for.
- Fill in the academic, category, institution and bank details.
- Upload the required documents in the format shown.
- Review and submit the form. The school or college and the state or ministry then verify it.
Documents differ by scheme, but common ones are the previous marksheet, income certificate, caste certificate where relevant, and the bank passbook. Check the guidelines on the portal for your scheme.
Dates for 2026-27
Careers360 reports that NSP registration for 2026-27 opened on 1 June 2026, with 31 October 2026 as the last date for pre-matric (extended) and post-matric. Dates can be extended and each scheme can have its own deadline, so confirm on scholarships.gov.in. As of today (24 October 2026) very little time remains if the 31 October date holds.
Common problems
- No OTP: check that the number is linked with Aadhaar.
- Face does not match: retry in good light and check the Aadhaar photo is not very old.
- Forgot OTR: use the “Forgot OTR” link on the login page.
- Duplicate OTR: do not create a second one. Contact the helpline listed on the portal.
Conclusion
OTR is a one-time job: Aadhaar details, a reference number and a face scan in the NSP OTR app. Do it early, save your OTR number safely, and then you can apply for central and many state scholarships without registering again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is OTR on NSP free?
Yes. Generating an OTR number has no fee.
Can I generate OTR without Aadhaar?
The official guidance allows an Aadhaar enrolment ID, but the Aadhaar must be submitted within 30 days. Minors can also use a parent’s or guardian’s Aadhaar.
Which apps are needed for OTR face authentication?
The NSP OTR app and the UIDAI Aadhaar FaceRD app, both on the Google Play Store for Android.
How many OTR numbers can one student have?
Only one. Duplicates can lead to debarment, so use Forgot OTR if you already have a number.
What if the Aadhaar FaceRD app shows Error 904?
Careers360 suggests updating the Aadhaar FaceRD app from the Play Store and trying again.
