The National Service Scheme (NSS) had its birth on September 24, 1969, during the Gandhi Centenary year. The scheme was first launched in 37 universities comprising 40,000 students. Today NSS has become the largest Government organization of students in the country comprising members from the +2 level to the college and also at the university level. The strength of volunteers has now increased to more than thirty lakhs, which makes the NSS one of the largest students forces in the world.