NSP OTR 2026-27 – One-Time Registration, Login, Status & Face Authentication

NSP OTR is a 14-digit number that every student requires before applying for any scholarship through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). Without an OTR number, no applicant can apply for a scholarship. It’s a two-step process; first, applicants must generate a reference number on the NSP portal or the NSP OTR app. Then, completing Aadhaar face authentication on the NSP OTR app using the AadhaarFaceRD app is mandatory. Once done, your NSP OTR registration is completed.

For the academic year 2026-27, OTR registration is mandatory for both fresh and renewal applicants. Students planning to apply for any scholarship on the NSP portal must complete their OTR registration by October 31, 2026.

NSP OTR 2026-27 – Key Highlights

Particulars	Details
Full form	One-Time Registration
Portal	National Scholarship Portal
OTR number	14-digit unique ID
Who needs it	Every fresh and renewal applicant on NSP
Apps required	NSP OTR app and AadhaarFaceRD app (available on Android, Google Play Store)
Verification	Aadhaar eKYC through face authentication
OTRs allowed	One per student
NSP helpdesk	0120-6619540, helpdesk@nsp.gov.in

Who Requires NSP OTR Number?

NSP OTR number is mandatorily required for every applicant applying for a scholarship on NSP as well as renewal students. Some state portals, such as West Bengal’s OASIS portal, also require the NSP OTR number to apply for a scholarship opportunity.

A few rules decide how many OTRs you can hold.

1. One student can create only one OTR. If more than one OTR is found under the same student’s name, then he/she will be debarred from availing scholarships.

2. Students without an Aadhaar number can generate an NSP OTR using their Aadhaar Enrollment ID (EID). Yet they must update their Aadhaar details within a period of one month.

3. Minor students without Aadhaar numbers can use a parent’s or legal guardian’s Aadhaar card to generate NSP OTR. Please note that one parent’s Aadhaar can be used for up to two children.

Documents Required for NSP OTR Registration 2026

Students are required to keep the following documents handy during the NSP OTR registration process. The process takes about 10 minutes if everything is in place.

1. Aadhaar number or Aadhaar Enrolment ID (EID) slip

2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) Aadhaar (In case of minors without Aadhaar)

3. Active mobile number linked with Aadhaar (for OTP)

4. Android smartphone with a working front camera

5. Aadhaar biometrics in Unlocked status

6. Bank account seeded with Aadhaar on NPCI (recommended, needed later for DBT payment)

If the Aadhaar biometrics are locked, face authentication will fail every time. Unlock them on the Aadhaar app or myAadhaar portal before you begin.

NSP OTR Registration 2026-27 (Step by Step)

NSP OTR registration has two stages. The reference number can be generated on the website or the app. Face authentication can be done only on the NSP OTR mobile app.

Step 1: Generate the NSP OTR reference number

1. Visit scholarships.gov.in and click on One-Time Registration (OTR) under the student section. You can also do this step on the NSP OTR app.

2. Read the guidelines and accept the declaration.

3. Enter your mobile number and verify it with the OTP.

4. Enter your Aadhaar number (or EID) and complete eKYC using the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile.

5. Fill in the basic details asked and submit.

6. A reference number will be generated and sent to your registered mobile number. Save it.

Step 2: Complete NSP OTR face authentication

1. Download the NSP OTR app and the AadhaarFaceRD app (by UIDAI) from the Google Play Store.

2. Open the NSP OTR app and allow camera and location permissions.

3. Select eKYC by FaceAuth.

4. Enter your reference number and the OTP received on your registered mobile.

5. Check your Aadhaar details on screen and tap Proceed for Face Authentication.

6. Tick the advisories checkbox and tap Proceed.

7. Hold the phone close to your face in good light. Blink when asked so the camera can capture your photo.

8. On successful authentication, your 14-digit OTR number appears in the app and is sent to your mobile by SMS.

Students who cannot complete face authentication on the app, including visually challenged students, can generate OTR at a Common Service Centre (CSC) using fingerprint authentication.

Also Read: Can We Complete NSP OTR Without Face Authentication?

NSP OTR Login – How to Log In and Reset Password

Once your OTR number is ready, use it to log in and fill the scholarship form.

1. Go to scholarships.gov.in and click on Login under the student section.

2. Choose the OTR login option.

3. Enter your 14-digit OTR number, password, and the CAPTCHA.

4. Verify with the OTP sent to your registered mobile.

5. Your dashboard opens. Select the scholarship scheme and start the application.

Forgot NSP OTR password or want to change mobile number?

Use the Forgot Password option under OTR login. Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile and set a new password. The same option is used to change the mobile number linked to your OTR.

How to Find a Forgotten NSP OTR Number or Reference Number

Lost the SMS with your NSP OTR number? Don’t worry, you do not need to register again, as creating a second OTR can get you debarred from availing scholarships.

Problem	What to do
Forgot OTR number	Click Login with OTR, then Forgot OTR Number. Enter the Aadhaar number used during eKYC.
Forgot reference number	Use the Forgot Reference No. option on the NSP OTR page.
Have a reference number but no OTR.	Face authentication is still pending. Complete Step 2 on the NSP OTR app.
Forgot password	Use Forgot Password under OTR login and reset it with the mobile OTP.

How to Change Name, DOB or Mobile Number in NSP OTR

Your name, date of birth, gender, and photo in OTR are fetched from your Aadhaar card. So the fix for a forgotten or lost OTR depends on where the mistake is.

Where is the error?	How to fix it
Only in the OTR profile (Aadhaar is correct).	Log in to OTR, open Update Profile, and correct the field.
In Aadhaar itself	Update Aadhaar at an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre, then use Refresh eKYC on the NSP OTR app.
Mobile number	Use Forgot Password under OTR login.
An NSP form has already started.	Visit My Profile, then refresh eKYC Details from OTR and Update (before final submission)

Also Read: How to Change Name and DOB in NSP OTR Profile

Common NSP OTR Errors and How to Fix Them

Error	Likely cause	Fix
Face RD error 904	Outdated AadhaarFaceRD app	Update the AadhaarFaceRD app from the Play Store.
Face authentication failed.	Aadhaar biometrics locked	Unlock biometrics on mAadhaar or myAadhaar, then retry
Face not captured	Poor light, dirty lens, camera permission off	Sit in bright, even light, clean the lens, allow camera access
OTP not received	Mobile number not linked with Aadhaar	Link your mobile to Aadhaar, or use the parent’s Aadhaar for minors.
App not available	Using an iPhone	Use any Android phone; a parent’s or friend’s phone works.
The face match keeps failing.	Old Aadhaar photo or disability	Generate OTR at a CSC using fingerprint authentication.

Also Read: NSP OTR Face RD Authentication Failed – How to Fix It

NSP OTR – FAQs

1. What is the full form of OTR in NSP?

OTR stands for One-Time Registration. It gives each student a 14-digit number used to apply for all scholarships on the National Scholarship Portal.

2. Is NSP OTR mandatory for renewal students?

Yes, for the academic session 2026-27, both fresh and renewal applicants must have an NSP OTR number to apply for a scholarship.

3. How long is the NSP OTR number valid?

The NSP OTR number is valid for your entire academic career. You can create it once and use it every year to apply for a scholarship.

4. Can I complete NSP OTR registration without face authentication?

If you are attempting NSP OTR registration through the app, it will require face authentication. Students who are visually challenged can generate NSP OTR at a Common Service Centre using fingerprint authentication.

5. How many OTRs can be created with one Aadhaar?

A student can generate only one OTR through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). However, in cases where a parent’s Aadhaar is used for minors, up to two OTRs (for two children) are allowed.