NSP Face Authentication Guide: Fix Error 904 & Unlock Aadhaar

Mastering Face Authentication for NSP Scholarship Applications

In 2026, the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) has fully transitioned to a more secure, biometric-based verification system. To ensure that benefits reach the rightful students, the government now mandates the use of the NSP OTR App for face authentication. However, many students encounter technical hurdles like Error 904 or biometric locks. This guide from YojanaRadar will walk you through the troubleshooting steps to ensure your scholarship application is processed without delays.

What is Face Authentication in NSP?

Face Authentication is a contactless biometric verification method powered by UIDAI. Unlike fingerprint scanning, this method uses your smartphone's camera to match your live face against the photo stored in the Aadhaar database. For students, this is a mandatory step to generate a One-Time Registration (OTR) number, which is valid for your entire academic career.

Common Issues: Why Face Authentication Fails

Most students face failures not because of the app, but due to settings within their Aadhaar profile or local environment. The most common reasons include:

• Aadhaar Biometric Lock: Your biometrics are disabled in the UIDAI portal for security.
• Error 904: A specific server-side error often linked to blocked biometric access or mismatched data.
• Poor Lighting: Shadows on the face prevent the AI from mapping features accurately.
• Outdated Aadhaar FaceRD App: Using an older version of the companion service app.

How to Unlock Aadhaar Biometrics (Step-by-Step)

If you receive a message stating your biometrics are locked, you must unlock them via the mAdhaar app or the official UIDAI website. Follow these steps:

1. Visit the official UIDAI website (myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in).
2. Login using your 12-digit Aadhaar number and the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
3. On the dashboard, locate the 'Lock/Unlock Biometrics' tab.
4. If the status shows 'Locked,' click on 'Unlock.' You can choose to unlock temporarily (for 10 minutes) or permanently.
5. Once unlocked, retry the face authentication on the NSP OTR App immediately.

Fixing Error 904 on NSP OTR App

Error 904 usually indicates that the UIDAI server rejected the authentication request because the 'Biometric Locking' feature is active on the user's end. Here is how to resolve it:

First, ensure your Aadhaar is linked to your current mobile number. Second, clear the cache of the Aadhaar FaceRD app in your phone settings. Finally, ensure you are not using a VPN, as the NSP portal requires an Indian IP address for secure biometric data transmission.

Setting Up the NSP OTR App Correcty

For a seamless experience, you need two specific apps installed on your Android device:

• NSP OTR App: The primary interface for scholarship registration.
• Aadhaar FaceRD (Early Access): The background engine provided by UIDAI that performs the actual face scan.

Make sure both apps have 'Camera' and 'Location' permissions enabled. When performing the scan, keep the phone at eye level, blink your eyes when prompted, and ensure no other person is in the background.

Security Tips for Students

While the Face Authentication system is highly secure, students should remain vigilant. Never share your OTR credentials or Aadhaar OTP with third-party agents. The NSP portal is a free service, and biometric verification should always be done on your personal device or at a certified Common Service Centre (CSC).

Conclusion

Biometric security is a major step toward a transparent scholarship ecosystem in India. While errors like the Aadhaar biometric lock or Error 904 can be frustrating, they are easily fixable through the UIDAI portal. By following this YojanaRadar guide, you can ensure your 2026-27 scholarship application is verified successfully, bringing you one step closer to your educational goals.