The overall objective of NSS is Personality Development through community service. The broad objectives of NSS are to:

• ❖ Understand the community in which they work.
• ❖ Understand themselves in relation to their community.
• ❖ Identify the needs and problems of the community and involve them in the problem-solving process.
• ❖ Develop a sense of social and civic responsibility.
• ❖ Utilize their knowledge in finding practical solutions to individual and community problems.
• ❖ Develop competence required for group-living and sharing responsibilities.
• ❖ Gain skills in mobilizing community participation.
• ❖ Acquire leadership qualities and democratic attitude.
• ❖ Develop capacity to meet emergencies and natural disasters.
• ❖ Practice national integration and social harmony.

The motto or watchword of the NSS is "Not me but you". It underlines that the welfare of an individual is ultimately dependent on the welfare of society on the whole. This expresses the essence of democratic living and upholds the need of selfless service and appreciation of the other man's point of view and consideration for fellow human beings.

The NSS symbol is embossed on the NSS badge. The NSS volunteers wear it while undertaking any programme or community service. The Konark wheel in the symbol has eight bars, which represent the 24 hours of the day. Hence, the badge reminds the wearer to be in readiness for the service of the nation round the clock. The red color indicates lively, active and energetic volunteers, while the navy blue color indicates the cosmos of which the NSS is a tiny part, ready to contribute its share for the welfare of mankind.

The symbol of the National Service Scheme is the “Rath” Wheel of the Konark Sun Temple of Orissa. These giant wheels portray the cycles of creation, preservation and release and signify the movement in life across time and space. The wheel signifies the progressive cycle of life and the continuous striving of NSS for social transformation and development.

NSS was formally launched on 24th September 1969, the birth centenary year of the Father of the Nation. Therefore, 24 September is celebrated every year as NSS Day with appropriate programmes and activities.