If you want to start a government- and citizen-service center in your village, the CSC Digital Seva Portal is your gateway. This comprehensive guide explains what CSCs are, who can apply, how to complete registration, how to log in, key services, compliance tips, and answers to common questions—all in one place.
What is a CSC and the CSC Digital Seva Portal?
Common Services Centres (CSCs) are physical, IT-enabled kiosks run by Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) that bring essential government and non-government services linke Aeps, Money Trasfer, csc Uti Pan Portal closer to citizens—especially in rural and remote areas. The Digital Seva Portal is the secure platform that VLEs use to access these services, manage transactions, and run day-to-day operations. (Digital India)
For the national overview of the program, see the official pages of:
Who can apply to become a VLE?
Any Indian citizen meeting basic criteria (age of majority, valid mobile number and email, Aadhaar, PAN, and access to a suitable center location with connectivity and necessary hardware) can apply to become a VLE. The application process is online, free of cost, and handled through the CSC registration portal. (register.csc.gov.in)
Apply here:
Documents & prerequisites you’ll typically need
While requirements can vary by service, a prospective VLE usually needs:
- Aadhaar and PAN
- Active mobile number and email ID
- Bank account details
- Geo-tagged photos and address of the proposed CSC location
- Basic hardware: computer, printer/scanner, biometric device (as required)
- (Highly recommended) Telecentre Entrepreneur Course (TEC) certificate
You can learn more about the application flow and verification in the official CSC FAQs. (register.csc.gov.in)
Step-by-step: How to apply on the CSC Digital Seva Portal
- Go to the official CSC registration portal.
- Click Apply → New Registration and validate your mobile number and email.
- Fill in personal details, Aadhaar, PAN, and center details (including geo-coordinates).
- Upload required documents and submit your application.
- Note your application reference number and track progress online.
You can track your application anytime here:
The portal notes that VLE registration itself is free of cost; be cautious of any unofficial agents claiming fees for basic registration. (register.csc.gov.in)
Telecentre Entrepreneur Course (TEC): What & why
The TEC (Telecentre Entrepreneur Course) is designed by CSC Academy to equip prospective and existing VLEs with fundamentals needed to operate a service center responsibly. Many applicants complete TEC first so they’re ready for service onboarding and verifications.
Learn more or access the platform here:
How to log in to the Digital Seva Portal
Once your CSC ID is approved and credentials are issued, you can sign in to the production portal:
Use your CSC ID/username and password. For some services, the system uses “CSC Connect” (SSO) for secure authentication. If you see a “Connect” prompt during sign-in, that’s normal—it’s the CSC’s SSO layer. (digitalseva.csc.gov.in, connect.csc.gov.in)
Core services available on CSC Digital Seva
CSCs deliver a very broad catalog that continues to evolve. Categories include:
- Government-to-Citizen (G2C) services: certificates, utility payments, bill collections, and state/central scheme facilitation.
- Financial inclusion: AePS cash-in/cash-out, balance inquiry, micro-ATM, insurance/micro-insurance, pensions.
- Education & skills: PMGDISHA enrollments, NIELIT/NIOS services, skills programs.
- Health & telemedicine: health IDs, teleconsultation programs (availability varies).
- eCommerce & logistics: assisted e-commerce, ticketing, and related services.
For the official overview of the CSC program’s scope, start with:
Payments & AePS: Getting started with DigiPay
DigiPay is CSC’s AePS and payments suite (built with NPCI and partner banks) that lets VLEs offer cash withdrawal, deposit, balance inquiry and other services using Aadhaar authentication. You can access DigiPay’s web/app resources and FAQs from the official site:
Before transacting, make sure your KYC is up to date in “My Account” on the registration portal and that you’ve onboarded correctly to DigiPay (the FAQs detail the steps). For device setup and feature use, refer to the official Android user manual as well. (DigiPay, csc.gov.in)
Highlight: PMGDISHA and digital literacy
CSCs play a key role in Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA)—a national mission to make rural households digitally literate. VLEs can register and train eligible citizens under the scheme via the official portal.
Learn more here:
Finding CSCs near you (for citizens)
Citizens can locate the nearest operational center using the public locator:
This is handy for beneficiaries who need in-person assistance with registrations, certificates, payments, or digital literacy enrollments.
Compliance, branding, and best practices
As a VLE, you represent the national CSC network. Follow the branding guidelines, display approved signage, and maintain transparent pricing for services you’re permitted to charge for. Stay updated via official channels and circulars from CSC SPV.
For broad reference, visit:
Tip: Avoid relying on unofficial third-party portals claiming “CSC login” or “Digital Seva” services. Always use official domains like
csc.gov.in,register.csc.gov.in,digitalseva.csc.gov.in, andcscspv.in.
Troubleshooting & support
- Login issues: Reset your password from the login page or try via CSC Connect, ensure correct CSC ID, and verify that your account is approved. If still stuck, raise a ticket with helpdesk (see the registration portal footer for contact). (digitalseva.csc.gov.in)
- KYC mismatches/AePS errors: Revisit the steps in DigiPay FAQs and ensure your KYC is updated in “My Account” on the registration portal. (DigiPay)
- Service not visible: Some services require separate onboarding, partner activation, or state approvals. Keep an eye on updates/circulars on official CSC pages. (cscspv.in)
Frequently asked questions
1) Is CSC registration paid or free?
Registration to become a VLE on the official portal is listed as free of cost. Be wary of anyone charging for basic registration. (register.csc.gov.in)
2) Do I need the TEC certificate?
It’s strongly recommended. TEC equips you with essential knowledge and is often asked for during onboarding. Access the TEC platform here: TEC login (CSC Academy). (CS Centrepreneur)
3) Where do I log in after approval?
Use the official Digital Seva gateway: Digital Seva login. (digitalseva.csc.gov.in)
4) How do I track my application status?
Use your reference number on the status page here: Track application status. (register.csc.gov.in)
5) Which services can I offer?
Services span G2C, financial inclusion (AePS via DigiPay), education, skills, health, and more. Check official overviews and the CSC SPV pages for current catalogs. (Digital India, cscspv.in)
6) How do I enable AePS and cash transactions?
Set up DigiPay and complete KYC as per the DigiPay FAQs. Also review the Android user manual for device steps.
Key takeaways
- The CSC network is a pillar of Digital India, delivering G2C, financial, education, and other services through local entrepreneurs. (Digital India)
- Registration as a VLE is online and free; apply only via the official portal and track status there. (register.csc.gov.in)
- After approval, log in through the Digital Seva gateway; many services use CSC Connect (SSO). (digitalseva.csc.gov.in)
- For AePS and payments, set up DigiPay correctly and keep KYC up to date. (DigiPay)
- For digital literacy programs, leverage PMGDISHA via the official portal. (pmgdisha.in)
With the right setup, compliance, and customer service, a CSC can become a sustainable micro-enterprise that meaningfully improves access to essential services in your community.