The National Scholarship Portal (NSP) now uses a One-Time Registration (OTR) with Aadhaar-based face authentication, and many students hit “Error 904” while trying to complete it. It is frustrating, but it is usually fixable. Here is what the error means and the practical steps that most often solve it.
What Error 904 usually means
Error 904 generally appears when the face authentication step fails — the app could not clearly match your live face scan with your Aadhaar record. This is often a technical or environment issue rather than a problem with your application, so do not panic.
Common causes
- Poor lighting or a blurry front camera.
- Glasses, a mask, a cap, or a face partly out of the frame.
- A weak or unstable internet connection.
- An outdated version of the face-authentication app.
- Heavy load on the servers at peak times.
- Mismatched or outdated details in your Aadhaar record.
Steps to fix it
- Use the latest version of the official Aadhaar Face RD / authentication app, updated from the official app store.
- Sit in bright, even light facing a window or lamp, and remove glasses, masks and caps.
- Hold the phone steady at eye level and keep your whole face inside the frame.
- Switch to a stronger internet connection, or try mobile data if Wi-Fi is weak.
- Try again after some time — if servers are busy, off-peak hours (early morning or late night) often work better.
- Restart the app or phone, or try a different supported phone with a good front camera.
- Check that your Aadhaar details are up to date; if your Aadhaar photo is very old, updating it can help.
If it still does not work
If the error continues after these steps, raise a grievance or contact the helpdesk through the official NSP portal, describing the exact error and when it happens. Keep screenshots as proof. Never pay anyone who promises to “fix” Error 904 for a fee, and complete every step only on the official portal or official app.
Frequently asked questions
Is Error 904 a problem with my application?
Usually not — it is a face-authentication failure, most often caused by lighting, the camera, the app version, or server load. Fixing those normally lets you complete the OTR.
What is the best time to try face authentication?
Off-peak hours, such as early morning or late at night, often work better because the servers are less busy. Combine that with good lighting and a stable connection for the best chance.