NSS

About NSS

The National Service Scheme (NSS) is a voluntary public service programme sponsored by the Government of India under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. It was launched on 24 September 1969 with the objective of developing the personality and character of students through community service. The NSS provides opportunities for young people to engage in various social, educational, health, and environmental activities that contribute to the welfare of society.

The motto of NSS is “Not Me But You,” which reflects the spirit of selfless service and concern for the well-being of others. Through participation in NSS activities, students develop leadership qualities, social responsibility, teamwork, and a sense of national integration. The programme encourages volunteers to understand community needs and work towards solving social problems through active involvement.

Activities/Trainings/Programmes Conducted by NSS

The National Service Scheme (NSS) unit of St. John’s College, Agra, actively organizes a wide range of community service and social awareness programmes to promote the holistic development of students and contribute to societal welfare. The unit regularly conducts blood donation camps, health and hygiene awareness programmes, tree plantation drives, and cleanliness campaigns under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Environmental awareness programmes are organized to encourage sustainable practices and environmental conservation. NSS volunteers also participate in village adoption and rural development activities aimed at improving the quality of life in nearby communities. The NSS unit actively contributed to noble social causes by organizing cloth collection and distribution drives for underprivileged communities and extending support to needy individuals.

The NSS unit conducts voter awareness campaigns to promote democratic participation, road safety programmes to educate citizens about traffic rules, and women’s empowerment initiatives to foster gender equality and social justice. Awareness campaigns against drug abuse and tobacco consumption are organized to promote healthy lifestyles among youth. The unit actively celebrates International Yoga Day to spread awareness about physical and mental well-being. Every year, volunteers participate in a seven-day Special NSS Camp, where they engage in intensive community service activities and social development projects.

The NSS unit undertakes various community outreach activities to address local social issues and strengthen community engagement. Special programmes such as Experiential Learning Programmes (ELP) and Student Police Experiential Learning (SPEL) on cyber security are also conducted to educate students and the community about safe digital practices, cyber threats, and responsible use of technology. Through these diverse activities, the NSS unit upholds its motto, “Not Me But You,” and instills values of service, leadership, and social responsibility among students.

Eligibility to join NSS

The National Service Scheme (NSS) is open to students enrolled in recognized educational institutions such as colleges, universities, and higher secondary schools.

The applicant must be a regular student of the institution where the NSS unit is functioning.
Students should be willing to participate in community service and social welfare activities.
Selection is generally made on a voluntary basis and may be subject to the availability of seats in the NSS unit.
The age of the student must be 16 to 25 years.
The student should be prepared to complete the required 240 hours of regular NSS activities in two year and participate in special camps organized by the institution.
Students from any academic stream (Arts, Science, Commerce, etc.) can join NSS.

Benefits of joining NSS

Development of leadership and communication skills.
Opportunities for community service and social engagement.
Participation in special camps, awareness programmes, and development projects.
Eligibility for NSS certificates upon successful completion of the programme.
Preference in some educational and employment opportunities where social service experience is valued.

Students can apply for NSS through the registration form of NSS and can visit NSS office at the beginning of the academic session. The programme is voluntary and encourages students to contribute actively to society while developing their own personality and skills.

National Level Camps organized by the College

National Integration Camp at St. John’s College, Agra under the auspices of Ministry of Human Resource Development, Govt. of India from 12th to 21st October, 1991 in which 200 NSS Volunteers participated from all over the country.
National Integration Camp at St. John’s College, Agra under the auspices of Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India from 7th to 13th February, 1997.
Pre- R.D. Camp at St. John’s College, Agra from 15th to 24th October, 1999 under the auspices of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India for North India in which 200 NSS Volunteers both Males & Females participated from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Delhi and Chandigarh.
National Integration Camp organized at St. John’s College, Agra sponsored by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India from 19th to 25th October, 2004.
Pre- R.D. Camp at St. John’s College, Agra from 13th to 22nd October, 2002 under the auspices of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India for the North Zone of the country in which 200 NSS both Male & Female Volunteers participated from seven States of the country.
Pre- R.D. Camp at St. John’s College, Agra from 11st to 20th October, 2008 under the auspices of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India as for the North Zone of the country in which 200 NSS both Male & Female Volunteers participated from seven States of the country.
National Integration Camp organized at St. Johns College, Agra sponsored by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India from 12th to 18th July, 2011.
Pre- R.D. Camp at St. John’s College, Agra from 3rd to 12th October, 2014 under the auspices of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India for the Central Zone of the country in which 200 NSS both Male & Female Volunteers participated from six states of the country.
Empanelled Training Institute (ETI): A Training Institution for NSS Officials (From July, 2013 to March, 2017), Accredited & Sponsored by Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India.

Awards and Recognitions

Dr. CM Jain: Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India awarded and conferred the honour of Best Programme Officer (NSS) on 27lh February, 1996 in the recognition of contribution in the field of Social Services at National Level.

Attended and participated National Republic Day Parade Camp at Delhi from 7th to 30th January, 1992 as U.P. Contingent Incharge, Organized by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India.

Dr. Sanjay Jain: Attended and participated National Republic Day Parade Camp at Delhi from 7th to 30th January, 2015 as U.P. and Uttrakhand Contingent Incharge, Organized by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India.

Felicitated by Vice Chancellor, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University, Agra for participating in NSS Republic Day Parade Camp-2015, New Delhi as Contingent Leader of Uttar Pradesh and Uttrakhand
Felicitated by Agra Police, Agra on 26th January, 2016 for Traffic Awareness Programme.

Dr. Vinny Jain: Attended and participated National Republic Day Parade Camp at Delhi from 1th to 30th January, 2003 as U.P. Contingent Incharge, Organized by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India.

Attended and participated in Pre –RD camp in 2002, Organized by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India.
Recognized for “Narcotics Abuse on young students” and Reproductieve Health for Women.
Given many lectures in Empanelled Training Institute.

Dr. Andrew Prakesh: awarded on the occasion of World Blood Donor Day, 14th June 2013, in recognition on special contribution and exemplary support in the field of voluntary blood donation by Uttar Pradesh State AIDS Control Society and State Blood Transfusion Council, Uttar Pradesh

Two times awarded by Election Commission for contribution for in election campaign in 2012 and 2013.
Performed excellent work in the Summary Revision of Electoral Rolls – 2013 and on National Voters’ Day – 2013 under the Systematic Voter Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) program.
Attended and participated National Republic Day Parade Camp at Delhi from 7th to 30th January, 1992 as U.P. Contingent Incharge, Organized by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India.

Dr. Aysha Begum: Participated and represented Uttar Pradesh state in National Integration Camp (NIC-Jaipur) organized from 25-31 December 2025, organized by S.S. Jain Subodh P.G. College, Jaipur, under the aegis of Government of India, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Regional Directorate of NSS-Jaipur.

Completed “Training of the Trainers (TOT)-Physical Fitness Assessment for Youth in collaboration with Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, held on February 9, 2025 in New Delhi.