The National Service Scheme (NSS) contributes significantly to the overall development of students, imparting leadership qualities, communication skills, and social awareness. This research analyzes the effect of NSS involvement on personality development among college students in the Khowai District of Tripura. The research employed a quantitative method in which primary data were obtained from an online Google Forms survey conducted from March 17 to March 26, 2025, among 205 students of Dasaratha Deb Memorial College, Khowai, and Government Degree College, Teliamura. Secondary data obtained from academic journals, government reports, and NSS reports were also examined.

The results indicate that a huge 80.49% of NSS volunteers reported notable improvements in their leadership abilities, as opposed to only 42.85% of non-NSS students. Likewise, 68.29% of NSS volunteers noted improvements in their communication abilities, while 78.04% reported an enhanced sense of social responsibility. However, NSS volunteers encountered various challenges, including time limitations (55.12%), institutional support limitations (39.02%), and the difficulty of balancing academic obligations with NSS activities (28.78%). In contrast, 41.46% of non-NSS students mentioned academic workload as the main reason for non-participation, while 36.58% mentioned a lack of awareness regarding NSS. This study highlights the positive impact of NSS on student development, in addition to impediments to involvement. To augment NSS participation, institutions must bring in awareness schemes, offer flexibility in studies, and offer rewards such as certificates or internships. These actions can transform NSS into a powerful platform for personality development, leadership development, and community service among higher education institutions in Tripura and elsewhere.