It was initially inspired by the success of the experiences of the National Development Services (NDS) program implemented as a part of the Tribhuwan University curriculum for Master level program (1973-1979). The rationale behind the establishment was generalising and reviving the spirit of volunteerism among the public in general and youth, identify and utilize the skills and experience of professionals and citizens available as dormant or potential surplus in the country\'s developmental works, supplement the needs in the human resources requirements of the Districts Development Committees (DDCs) and Village Development Committees (VDCs) encouraging the youth to reach out to the remote parts of the country for service and obtain field experience in the living conditions of rural Nepal and exposure to the realities of the country.

NDVS started its volunteer mobilization program in FY 1998/1999 selecting 25 districts - 19 in the mountain region and 9 in the hills. In FY 1998/1999, 220 volunteers were recruited in those 25 districts of different working sectors such as Engineer, Overseer, Agriculturist, Geographer, Demographer, Health Worker, Social Mobilizer, Teacher, Herbal Plant Specialist and Solar Energy Specialist etc. Now, NDVSs activities are expanded in 75 districts of Nepal and altogether 8800 volunteers have been mobilized so far.