The National Single Window System (NSWS) is an online platform developed by the Government of India to help businesses apply for various approvals and clearances from a single access point. Using the National Single Window System (NSWS) should simplify your approvals and clearances, but technical issues can sometimes get in the way.
Problems in different NSWS processes, like Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) errors, login failures, submission glitches, and more, can slow down your progress. You can quickly identify and resolve the most common issues faced by NSWS users through this troubleshooting guide.
Whether you're a business owner, consultant, or applicant, these step-by-step solutions will ensure a smoother and more efficient experience on the portal.
What is NSWS?
NSWS stands for National Single Window System. It allows businesses to apply for permissions from various departments and ministries in one place. It saves time, reduces paperwork, and makes the approval process faster and smoother.
Users may occasionally experience technical issues like a DSC error, which can prevent successful application submission if not resolved quickly. Want to know more about the NSWS Portal?
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Why is DSC Important for NSWS?
A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is very important while applying for approvals on the NSWS portal. It works like an online signature. Without a valid DSC, you may not be able to submit your application or complete important steps.
Here's why DSC is required:- Authentication: Confirms the identity of the applicant who is submitting the form.
- Data security: Ensures that the content of the documents remains unchanged during transmission.
- Non-rejection: Provides legal validity to online submissions, preventing users from denying their actions later.
- Required by Law: Most government portals, including NSWS, require a valid Class 3 DSC for submissions according to the IT Act,2000.
So, if there is a DSC error on the
NSWS portal, it's one of the first things you should check.
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Common Issues and How to Fix Them
Let's look at the common problems users face on the NSWS portal and their simple solutions, especially when dealing with DSC errors. The go-to NSWS portal guide is right here.
1. NSWS portal helps with Login issues
Problem: You can't log into the NSWS portal.
Solutions- Check your internet connection.
- Make sure you are entering the correct username and password.
- Clear your browser history, cache, and cookies.
- Try using a different browser (preferably Google Chrome).
If login problems continue, reach out to the NSWS portal help for further assistance.
2. Digital Signature Not Attached Error
Problem: DSC token not detected or inactive during submission
Solutions- Ensure your DSC token is inserted and recognized by your system
- Restart the NSWS DSC utility tool and refresh the page
- Re-log into the NSWS portal and try submitting again
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Capricorn CA3. DSC Not Verified or DSC Verification Failed
Problem: Mismatch in certificate and user profile data
Solutions- Ensure the DSC holder's name, PAN, and email match your NSWS profile
- Use only a valid Class 3 Individual DSC
- If recently renewed, re-register the DSC on NSWS
4. DSC Not Working
Problem: Your Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is not showing up or is not working when needed.
Solutions- Plug your DSC token properly into your system.
- Check if your Digital Signature Certificate is still valid and not expired.
- Make sure you have installed the latest DSC drivers.
- Use the correct browser – DSC mostly works well with Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox.
- Check if Java is installed and updated on your system.
- If you're using eSigner, make sure it's running properly in the background.
Tip: Restart your computer after installing any DSC software or drivers.
5. Application Not Submitted
Problem: You filled in all the details but can't submit the form.
Solutions- Check for any red-marked fields – you may have missed something.
- Ensure your Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is selected and properly authenticated.
- Avoid using special characters in form fields unless allowed.
- Refresh the page and try again.
- If the issue is related to a DSC error, try reinstalling drivers or switching browsers.
Still stuck? Reach out to the NSWS portal help for quick support.
6. Pop-Up Blocked
Problem: A new window or form is not opening.
Solutions- Enable pop-ups for the NSWS website in your browser settings.
- Turn off any browser extensions that block pop-ups.
- Some DSC errors also result from blocked pop-ups, as certain DSC actions open in a new window.
7. DSC Plugin Error or Browser Not Supported
Problem: The portal shows an error like “DSC plugin not found” or “Browser not supported”.
Solutions- Make sure you have installed the DSC utility tool, like Capricorn.
- Use an NSWS-supported browser. Usually, older versions of Internet Explorer work well.
- Contact your DSC provider for the right software links.
8. Please Install DSC Utility, Even Though It's Installed
Problem: The Browser is not detecting the utility due to compatibility issues
Solutions- Reinstall the latest NSWS DSC utility
- Use Microsoft Edge in IE Mode
- Clear the browser cache and restart the system
9. Invalid Certificate Chain Error
Problem: Missing intermediate or root certificates
Solutions- Install the intermediate and root CA certificates from your DSC provider
- Restart the browser and system after installation
10. Unable to Sign Due to Token Access Denied
Problem: Token access blocked by another application
Solutions- Close any third-party software accessing the DSC token
- Ensure no other app is using the USB token at the same time
11. Page Freezes After Clicking 'Sign'
Problem: Pop-ups blocked or browser crashes
Solutions- Enable pop-ups for the NSWS site
- Clear browser cache and cookies
- Try submitting via another compatible system
12. DSC Registration Errors
These occur when you are trying to register your DSC on the NSWS portal, either for the first time or after renewal.
Problems:- Certificate already mapped to another user
- Unable to fetch certificate details
Solutions- Check if the DSC was used earlier on another account – contact NSWS support for reassignment
- Clear your browser cache and reattempt
- Ensure the DSC is not expired or revoked
- Register using the same browser and system where the DSC utility is installed
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13. DSC Renewal or Replacement Errors
Errors that arise when trying to replace or renew an old or expired DSC.
Problems: - The previous DSC is still active and cannot register a new one
- The new DSC is not reflecting
Solutions - Deactivate or remove the old DSC mapping from NSWS (via support if needed)
- Wait for the system cache to refresh (can take a few hours)
- Clear the cache and re-log in before retrying
14. Operating System & Compatibility Errors
These are caused by incompatible OS, browsers, or outdated Java versions.
Problems: - Java not detected
- Unsupported Operating System
Solutions - Use Windows 10/11 OS only
- Avoid macOS or Linux for DSC operations on NSWS
- Update Java to the latest supported version
- Set up browser to run Java/DSC plugins (especially for IE Mode in Edge)
15. Admin Rights or Permission Issues
Some DSC utilities fail due to insufficient permissions on the system.
Problems: - Access denied while signing
- Token access restricted
Solutions - Always run the DSC utility as an administrator
- Disable antivirus temporarily if it blocks the utility
- Grant USB and Java-related permissions in browser settings
16. DSC Utility Installation Issues
Installation-related problems can stop the utility from working properly.
Problems: - Failed to install the service
- Utility closed unexpectedly
Solutions: - Reinstall the latest version from the official NSWS portal
- Delete the previous version completely before reinstalling
- Check system logs for detailed error codes and share with IT support
17. Multiple DSC Token Conflict
If more than one DSC token is connected to your system (e.g., your own and someone else's) the system may not recognize the correct one and could produce errors.
Problems: - Multiple certificates found
- Select a valid certificate
Solutions- Only keep one token plugged in during registration or signing
- Disconnect others and restart the browser
- Ensure the connected token is active and mapped to the NSWS user
18. Time Synchronization Errors
The NSWS portal may reject signatures if your system time is out of sync.
Problems: - Timestamp mismatch
- Signature expired or invalid time stamp
Solutions - Sync your system clock to Internet Time (e.g., time.windows.com)
- Ensure the correct time zone is set in Windows
- Reboot your system after adjusting the settings
19 Document Corruption or File Format Issues
Even after DSC signs the document, NSWS might reject the file due to format errors.
Problems: - File format not supported
- Corrupted signature file
Solutions - Upload PDF files only, freshly generated
- Do not compress, merge, or digitally sign PDFs using third-party tools
- Use only the DSC utility built into the NSWS portal
20. Browser Profile or Cache Errors
Corrupt or outdated browser profiles can interfere with DSC signing.
Problems: - Unexpected error occurred
- The page keeps reloading on the click of the Sig button (a button used in a software interface for signing a document)
Solutions - Clear browser cache and cookies
- Create a new browser profile or use incognito mode
- Prefer Microsoft Edge in Internet Explorer Mode with a clean profile
21. Token Driver Issues
Each DSC token (e.g., ePass, Proxkey, Gemalto) has its own driver. A mismatch can lead to errors.
Problems: - Token not initialized
- “Driver not found”
Solutions - Install the official driver for your token (check the DSC provider's website)
- Update token drivers and firmware, if available
- Restart the system after driver installation
22. DSC Mapping Lost After Update
Sometimes, after a browser or system update, DSC mapping gets lost.
Problems: - DSC is not mapped to any user
- DSC mapping reset
Solutions - Remap your DSC by logging into NSWS and navigating to My Profile → DSC Mapping
- Save changes and reattempt document signing
23. DSC Not Working in Clarification/Reply Windows
Clarification submissions may behave differently from the main portal dashboard.
Problems: - The submit button is inactive after signing
- Unable to attach DSC to reply
Solutions- Don't use tabbed browsing to open clarification directly from the dashboard
- Try using a clean browser session
- Save the response and reopen before retrying DSC attach/sign
Quick Checklist Before Using NSWS
1. Active internet connection
2. Valid and working Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
3. Updated browser and drivers
4. Pop-up blocker turned off
5. Java and DSC tools installed
Still Facing Issues?
If you have tried everything and are still facing problems like a DSC error, here's what you can do:
- Reach out to the NSWS portal help team via email or phone.
- Share screenshots of the issue while asking for support.
- Keep your Digital Signature Certificate details, token serial number, and any error messages ready.
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Conclusion
Using the NSWS portal can save you a lot of time and effort, but sometimes it requires a little patience and technical support. Most issues, especially those related to DSC errors or setup problems with your Digital Signature Certificate, can be resolved with simple fixes like updating software, adjusting browser settings, or restarting your device.
For any ongoing issues, don't hesitate to contact the NSWS portal help. They're there to get you back on track quickly and efficiently.