NSP Biometric Verification Rules 2026-27: Aadhaar Face Authentication and OTR Guidelines

The National Scholarship Portal (NSP) has introduced Aadhaar-based One Time Registration (OTR) as a mandatory requirement for scholarship applications. For the academic year 2026-27, students should understand the face authentication process, Aadhaar biometric requirements, and the steps to resolve authentication errors before submitting their scholarship applications.

1. What Is NSP Biometric Verification?

NSP biometric verification refers to identity authentication through Aadhaar-based face authentication during the One Time Registration process. The student or eligible parent/legal guardian completes the required authentication using the NSP OTR mobile application and Aadhaar FaceRD service.

Students should note that OTR face authentication is not the same as a separate fingerprint attendance process at every college. Any additional verification requirement must be checked in the relevant scholarship scheme instructions or official NSP announcement.

2. NSP Biometric Verification Rules 2026-27

3. How to Complete NSP Face Authentication?

Students can follow these steps to complete the OTR face authentication process:

1. Visit the official National Scholarship Portal.
2. Open the OTR Registration section.
3. Enter the required student details and an active mobile number.
4. Complete the registration process and receive the reference number on the registered mobile number.
5. Download the NSP OTR mobile application on a supported Android device.
6. Install or update the Aadhaar FaceRD application.
7. Open the NSP OTR App and follow the face authentication instructions using the reference number.
8. Complete the face scan and wait for authentication confirmation.
9. After successful authentication, obtain the OTR number.
10. Use the OTR number to submit the scholarship application when the relevant scheme is open.

Important: Generating an OTR number does not mean that a scholarship application has been submitted. Students must separately complete and submit the application for their eligible scheme.

4. Aadhaar Biometric Lock/Unlock Rules

NSP has reported cases where student, parent, or legal guardian face authentication fails because Aadhaar biometrics are locked. Before attempting face authentication, check the Aadhaar biometric lock/unlock status.

• Open the official My Aadhaar portal or mAadhaar application.
• Check the Aadhaar biometric lock/unlock status.
• If biometrics are locked, use the official UIDAI service to unlock them, where required.
• Return to the NSP OTR App and retry the authentication process.
• Follow UIDAI instructions for securing Aadhaar biometrics again after authentication, if desired.

Official UIDAI information: Aadhaar Lock/Unlock Service.

5. Rules for Minor Students

If a minor student has not yet been assigned an Aadhaar number, the OTR guidelines provide for registration using the Aadhaar of the parent or legal guardian, subject to the applicable NSP instructions. The parent or legal guardian may need to complete the required face authentication.

Students and guardians should ensure that the minor student details entered during registration are accurate and consistent with the relevant records. The official OTR instructions also specify limits on OTR generation by a parent or legal guardian for minor children. Check the current OTR guidelines before submitting the registration.

6. Common NSP Face Authentication Errors and Solutions

7. Is Biometric Verification Required for Every NSP Student?

OTR is mandatory for scholarship applications hosted on NSP, and the official OTR process includes face authentication. However, students should not assume that every scholarship scheme requires an additional biometric verification at the institute or a separate fingerprint scan. Any additional requirement depends on the applicable scheme instructions and official portal notices.

8. Face Authentication for Institute Officials

Separate Aadhaar-based face authentication requirements also apply to certain institute officials. According to NSP institute announcements, the Institute Nodal Officer (INO) and Head of Institute (HoI) of new institutes completing KYC registration must complete face authentication using the NSP FaceAuth App along with Aadhaar FaceRD.

Existing institutes changing their INO or HoI, or officials whose Aadhaar details have changed, may also need to update their details through the concerned District or State Nodal Officer and complete face authentication as instructed by NSP.

9. Can Students Complete NSP Authentication at a CSC?

NSP services are available through Common Service Centres (CSCs). The official NSP announcement states that the total charge for the complete activity per candidate, including reference number generation, biometric authentication, OTR generation, and filing the complete application form, is fixed at Rs. 30 inclusive of applicable taxes.

Students should confirm the service details and applicable instructions at the official CSC before proceeding. Find a centre through the CSC Locator.

10. Important NSP Links for 2026-27

11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Students applying for NSP scholarships in 2026-27 should complete OTR and Aadhaar-based face authentication carefully. Keep Aadhaar details accurate, check biometric lock status, install the required applications, and follow the official portal instructions. Always verify scheme-specific requirements and deadlines before submitting the scholarship application.