When you search online for OTR Scholarship 2025, you’ll find a lot of confusion. Some think OTR itself is a scholarship scheme, but actually, OTR means One Time Registration. It’s not a separate scheme, but without it you simply can’t apply for most scholarships in India — whether it’s through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) or the UP Scholarship Portal.
That’s why students often call it “OTR Scholarship.” In this post, let’s go deep into what OTR is, why it matters, how to register, how to log in, check status, last date, scholarship amount, and everything else you need to know for 2025.
Summary Table
Step | Description |
---|---|
What is OTR | A unique 14-digit registration number for NSP. |
Validity | For entire academic career. |
Mandatory | Yes—for applying to NSP scholarships. |
Process | Register mobile → e-KYC → Aadhaar/EID → Face auth → Receive OTR. |
Tools | NSP web portal and Android OTR app (AadhaarFaceRD). |
Retrieval Options | “Know Your OTR” or “Forgot OTR” on NSP portal. |
What is OTR Scholarship?
OTR stands for One Time Registration. It is a permanent student ID created on the scholarship portal (NSP or UP). Once you generate this ID, you don’t need to register again every year.
-
It comes in the form of a 14-digit OTR number.
-
This number is linked to your Aadhaar card and is valid throughout your academic life.
-
From 2024-25 onwards, OTR is compulsory on the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in).
-
From 2025-26 onwards, it will also be mandatory on the UP Scholarship Portal (scholarship.up.gov.in).
So in short, OTR is like your scholarship Aadhaar — one ID that opens the door to every scholarship scheme.
Benefits of OTR Registration
Many students ask — why OTR? Here are the big benefits:
-
You don’t have to fill in the same details every year.
-
Prevents fake or duplicate applications.
-
With one OTR ID, you can apply for multiple scholarships (central + state).
-
Smooth scholarship renewals.
-
Scholarships get transferred faster via DBT (Direct Bank Transfer).
Basically, OTR saves time and makes the whole system transparent.
Step-by-Step: OTR Registration 2025
Here’s how you can complete your OTR registration on NSP (process is similar for UP portal when it opens):
-
Go to official website → scholarships.gov.in.
-
Click on OTR Registration → Students → OTR Login → Register Yourself.
-
Mobile Verification → Enter Aadhaar-linked mobile → verify with OTP.
-
Aadhaar e-KYC → Enter Aadhaar or EID. (Minors can use parent’s Aadhaar).
-
Fill Personal Info → Name, DOB, parents’ names, address, email, etc.
-
Face Authentication → Download NSP OTR App + Aadhaar Face RD App, then complete live verification.
-
OTR ID Generated → A unique 14-digit number will be sent to your mobile.
-
Use OTR for Applications → With this ID, you can apply for all eligible scholarships.
👉 Pro Tip: Unlock Aadhaar biometrics before doing face authentication.
OTR Number in Scholarship
Your OTR number is the key to everything. It’s your permanent login ID to:
-
Apply for scholarships.
-
Renew old scholarships.
-
Check application and payment status.
-
Verify your profile anytime.
Without OTR, you cannot move ahead.
OTR Scholarship Login
Once you have your OTR number, login becomes very easy:
-
NSP OTR Login → Visit scholarships.gov.in → OTR Login → Enter OTR number + password.
-
UP OTR Login (from 2025-26) → Visit scholarship.up.gov.in → OTR Login → Enter details.
From here, you can apply, renew, or check status.
How to Check OTR Registration Scholarship Status
Checking your OTR status is simple:
-
Go to scholarships.gov.in.
-
Login with your OTR number + password.
-
Click on “Know Your OTR / Status”.
-
It will show whether your OTR is active, pending, or rejected.
For UP scholarships, the process is similar — just log in to scholarship.up.gov.in.
NSP OTR Registration
The National Scholarship Portal (NSP) is the largest platform where lakhs of students apply for:
-
Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (CSSS)
-
Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarships
-
Merit-cum-Means Scholarship
-
Top Class Scholarship for SC/ST
-
Minority Scholarships
Since 2024-25, NSP OTR is compulsory for all these. Without OTR, the system won’t allow you to apply.
OTR Forgot Password – How to Reset?
Many students forget their OTR password after registration and then get stuck during login. Don’t worry — the OTR portal has an easy option to reset your password.
Here’s how you can recover it step by step:
-
Go to the OTR Login page
-
For NSP: scholarships.gov.in → OTR Login.
-
For UP (from 2025-26): scholarship.up.gov.in → OTR Login.
-
-
Click on “Forgot Password”
-
This option will be just below the login form.
-
-
Enter Your OTR Number
-
Type your 14-digit OTR ID correctly.
-
-
Verify with OTP
-
An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number or email.
-
Enter it to confirm your identity.
-
-
Set New Password
-
Create a new strong password (use letters + numbers + special characters).
-
Confirm it and submit.
-
-
Login Again
-
Now use your OTR ID + new password to login to the portal.
-
👉 Tips if OTP not received:
-
Make sure your registered mobile number is active.
-
Check SMS inbox + spam folder.
-
If still not received, contact NSP Helpdesk (0120-6619540) or your district scholarship office (for UP).
OTR UP Scholarship
From 2025-26 session, the UP government has also made OTR compulsory. That means students of SC, ST, OBC, Minority, and EWS General categories must first complete OTR on scholarship.up.gov.in before applying for Pre-Matric or Post-Matric UP Scholarships.
OTR Scholarship Amount
A common doubt: “What is the OTR Scholarship amount?”
Answer: OTR itself doesn’t give money. It’s the gateway to actual scholarships. With OTR, you can apply for schemes like:
-
CSSS (Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship) → ₹12,000 per year (UG), ₹20,000 per year (PG).
-
Post Matric Scholarship (SC/ST/OBC/Minority) → Tuition fees + maintenance allowance.
-
Merit-cum-Means Scholarship → ₹25,000 to ₹30,000 annually for professional courses.
-
UP Scholarships → ₹5,000 to ₹12,000 depending on category & class.
So the amount depends on the scholarship, but OTR is the entry ticket.
OTR Scholarship Portal
Currently, there are two main portals where OTR is valid:
-
National Scholarship Portal (NSP) → scholarships.gov.in
-
UP Scholarship Portal → scholarship.up.gov.in
More states may introduce OTR later.
Scholarship Status Check with OTR
Once you’ve applied for a scheme, you can track your scholarship status easily with OTR:
-
Login to NSP or UP Portal with OTR.
-
Select Application Status.
-
Choose academic year and scholarship scheme.
-
Status will appear (Submitted / Verified / Sanctioned / Paid).
👉 You’ll also know if the scholarship money has been transferred to your bank account.
OTR Scholarship Last Date 2025
-
NSP OTR → Already open for 2025-26 session. No fixed last date yet, but do it before scholarship applications close.
-
UP OTR → Expected to start July 2025, before scholarship portal opens.
⚠️ Important: Without OTR before the last date, you will be locked out of scholarships.
OTR Scholarship FAQ
- What is OTR?
- OTR (One Time Registration) is a mandatory registration process that assigns a unique 14-digit number to students applying for scholarships on platforms like NSP or UP Scholarship Portal. It links to a student’s Aadhaar or Aadhaar Enrolment ID (EID) and is valid throughout their academic career.
- Why is OTR required for scholarships?
- OTR streamlines the scholarship application process by eliminating repetitive registrations, ensuring transparency, and facilitating timely disbursement of funds.
- Is OTR mandatory?
- Yes, OTR is mandatory for all scholarship applications on NSP (from 2024-25) and UP Scholarship Portal (from 2025-26).
- How do I register for OTR on NSP?
- Visit scholarships.gov.in, go to “Students” > “OTR Login” > “Register Yourself.”
- Verify your mobile number with OTP.
- Complete Aadhaar e-KYC (provide Aadhaar or EID/parent’s Aadhaar for minors, verify with OTP).
- Perform face authentication via the NSP OTR App and Aadhaar Face RD App.
- Receive your 14-digit OTR number via SMS.
- What documents are needed for OTR?
- Active mobile number linked to Aadhaar.
- Aadhaar number (or EID/parent’s Aadhaar for minors).
- Additional documents for scholarship applications (e.g., mark sheets, bank details, caste certificate, photo) may be required post-OTR.
- Is there a fee for OTR registration?
- No, OTR registration is free on NSP and UP Scholarship Portal. However, services at Common Service Centres (CSCs) may incur a ₹30 fee (including taxes).
- Can I have multiple OTR numbers?
- No, only one OTR number is allowed per student. Multiple OTRs may lead to debarment from scholarships.
- What if I already have an OTR number?
- Use the “Know Your OTR” feature on scholarships.gov.in to retrieve your OTR number. Renewal applicants from 2023-24 who completed face authentication may already have one.
- What is face authentication, and why is it needed?
- Face authentication verifies your identity using the NSP OTR App and Aadhaar Face RD App. It’s required to generate the OTR number and ensure secure registration.
- What if my Aadhaar biometrics are locked?
- Check biometric status via the mAadhaar app or myAadhaar portal. Unlock biometrics at an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre if needed for face authentication.
- Can I complete OTR offline?
- Yes, visit a Common Service Centre (CSC) for OTR and scholarship services. Locate a CSC at https://locator.csccloud.in/. A ₹30 fee may apply.
- What happens after OTR registration?
- Use your OTR number to log in and apply for scholarships when the portal opens. Ensure your bank account is NPCI-seeded for fund disbursement.
- What if I face issues during OTR registration?
- Contact the NSP Helpdesk at 0120-6619540 or helpdesk@nsp.gov.in (8 AM–8 PM, except holidays). For UP Scholarship Portal, check scholarship.up.gov.in for contact details.
- Can I use OTR for scholarships other than NSP or UP Portal?
- OTR is specific to platforms requiring it (e.g., NSP, UP Scholarship Portal). Other scholarship programs may have different registration processes. Clarify the specific scholarship for tailored guidance.
- How do I know if my OTR is successful?
- You’ll receive a 14-digit OTR number via SMS on your registered mobile number after completing face authentication.
- Is OTR required every academic year?
- No, OTR is a one-time process valid for your entire academic career on the respective platform.
- What if I don’t have an Aadhaar number?
- Use an Aadhaar Enrolment ID (EID) or, for minors, a parent’s Aadhaar number for OTR registration.
- Can I edit my OTR details?
- Limited edits may be possible before final submission. Contact the respective portal’s helpdesk for specific issues.
- Does OTR guarantee a scholarship?
- No, OTR is only a registration step. Scholarship eligibility depends on meeting scheme-specific criteria.
- Where can I find more information?
- NSP: scholarships.gov.in
- UP Scholarship Portal: scholarship.up.gov.in
- CSC Locator: https://locator.csccloud.in/
- Aadhaar Support: myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in