The National Scholarship Portal has officially moved to the One-Time Registration (OTR) system for 2026. This means the old way of registering every year is dead. You now get a unique 14-digit OTR ID that stays with you from school through PhD.
If you haven’t registered yet, you have a major hurdle: Face Authentication. Here is how to complete your OTR without getting stuck in a loop.
Deadlines for 2026 Cycle
Google prioritized fresh dates. While most general schemes (like Pre-Matric/Post-Matric for Disabilities) closed in late 2025, specific high-value schemes are still open for application until March 1, 2026.
Step-by-Step OTR Registration Process
The 2026 process is split between the website and a mobile app. You cannot finish it on a laptop alone.
-
Generate Reference Number: Go to and click “Apply for OTR.” Enter your Aadhaar-linked mobile number and verify via OTP.
-
The “App Duo” Requirement: You must download two apps on an Android phone:
-
NSP OTR App: For the application.
-
Aadhaar Face RD App: This is the UIDAI background service that actually “sees” your face.
-
-
eKYC Face Authentication: Open the NSP OTR app, enter your Reference Number, and click “Proceed for Face Auth.”
-
Generation: Once your face matches your Aadhaar photo, your 14-digit OTR ID is generated and sent via SMS.
Why Your OTR is Failing (Technical Fixes)
Most students give up here. If you’re getting errors, try these “human” fixes:
-
“No Scheme Available”: This usually happens because your Aadhaar address and College address are in the same state for schemes that require you to move (like ICAR NTS).
-
“Face Not Recognized”: The app is very picky about lighting. Stand in natural sunlight near a window. Do not use yellow room lights.
-
Aadhaar Data Mismatch: If your name on your mark sheet is “Amit Kumar” but Aadhaar says “Amit K,” the OTR will fail. You must update your Aadhaar first to match your school records.
Required Documents for OTR
Have these ready to scan (PDF/JPEG under 2MB):
-
Aadhaar Number (Mandatory).
-
Aadhaar-Linked Mobile: You cannot register if your current SIM isn’t linked to your Aadhaar.
-
Bonafide Certificate: Download the 2026 Template from the NSP portal; old versions will be marked “Defective.”
-
Bank Passbook: Must be in the student’s name (minor accounts are okay for school students).
FAQ:
Q: I have an old NSP ID. Do I still need OTR?
A: Yes. Everyone—fresh and renewal—must convert to an OTR ID for the 2026 cycle.
Q: Can I register without Aadhaar?
A: Only if you are from a state/category exempted (like parts of J&K or Assam). Otherwise, Aadhaar is 100% mandatory for the Face Auth step.
Q: I lost my OTR ID. How do I get it back?
A: Use the “Know Your OTR” tool on the NSP homepage. You will need your Aadhaar number and the OTP sent to your registered phone.