DIGIPIN: India’s New Digital Address System That Redefines Location Accuracy

India is rapidly advancing on the path of digital transformation, and in a significant leap forward, the Department of Posts (India Post) has introduced an innovative system—DIGIPIN (Digital Postal Index Number). This revolutionary digital addressing system goes beyond the limitations of traditional PIN codes by assigning a unique 10-character alphanumeric code to every 4×4 metre square of land across the country. This will drastically improve the accuracy and efficiency of postal services, emergency response, logistics, and e-commerce delivery.

What is DIGIPIN?

DIGIPIN is an open-source, geo-coded digital addressing system developed by the Department of Posts in collaboration with IIT Hyderabad and ISRO’s National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC). It is a part of the National Geospatial Policy 2022 and the Digital India initiative. Based on GPS and latitude-longitude coordinates, each 4×4 metre grid is assigned a unique 10-character code. Whether you reside in urban alleys, rural fields, mountainous terrain, or informal settlements—DIGIPIN ensures a precise and universally accepted digital address.

The core objective of DIGIPIN is to provide every Indian with a digital identity that enhances not only postal services but also emergency responses, e-governance, and public delivery systems. It is built on the concept of Address-as-a-Service (AaaS) and is set to become the backbone of India’s digital infrastructure.

DIGIPIN vs PIN Code

The traditional PIN code system, introduced in 1972, covers larger geographic areas such as localities, towns, or cities. However, it often falls short in pinpointing exact locations. DIGIPIN addresses this gap with precision. Here’s a comparative overview:

DIGIPIN is transformative, especially in regions where conventional addresses are unclear or missing—like rural India, tribal areas, or mountainous zones. It guarantees a verifiable digital location for everyone.

How Does DIGIPIN Work?

The DIGIPIN system is user-friendly, technologically advanced, and universally accessible. It divides the entire country into a grid of 4×4 metre squares, assigning a unique code to each. Here’s how you can use it:

1. Online Portal: Visit the Know Your DIGIPIN website (https://dac.indiapost.gov.in/mydigipin/home). Enter your location’s latitude-longitude or use GPS functionality.
2. QR Code: Generate a QR code along with your DIGIPIN, which you can share for easy access.
3. Offline Use: DIGIPIN is open-source and available on GitHub, allowing developers to integrate it into offline applications.
4. Smartphone Support: Any smartphone or GNSS-enabled device can be used to retrieve your DIGIPIN.

The system is simple enough for tech-savvy urban youth and rural users alike.

Key Benefits of DIGIPIN

DIGIPIN is more than just a digital address—it’s a foundational pillar for India’s digital future. Some of its major advantages include:

1. Precise Deliveries: No more misplaced deliveries. Delivery agents will reach the exact location, saving time and resources.
2. Emergency Services: Ambulance, police, and fire services can locate people more accurately and quickly—life-saving in crisis zones.
3. Empowering Rural India: In remote or tribal regions with vague or no addresses, DIGIPIN offers a unique digital identity.
4. Digital Governance: Government schemes like ration distribution, vaccination, and census implementation will become more efficient.
5. E-commerce and Logistics: Companies like Amazon and Flipkart can use DIGIPIN to enhance delivery speed and accuracy.
6. Open-Source Integration: Available on GitHub, DIGIPIN can be adopted by developers for multiple applications and services.
7. Smart Cities: It serves as a digital infrastructure layer in smart city planning and urban development.

Launch of DIGIPIN and Its Significance

DIGIPIN was officially launched on 27 May 2025 alongside two digital platforms—Know Your DIGIPIN and Know Your PINCode. It is a major milestone under the National Geospatial Policy 2022, aimed at positioning India as a global leader in geospatial technology.

Since the launch, DIGIPIN has been made available to all central and state government departments, private sectors, and the general public. The technical documentation is open-source on GitHub, offering immense potential for developers.

The Future of DIGIPIN

DIGIPIN is not intended to replace traditional addresses but to empower them digitally. In the future, DIGIPIN can revolutionise the following domains:

1. E-commerce: Accelerate and streamline last-mile delivery.
2. Disaster Management: Provide accurate location data during relief operations.
3. Healthcare Access: Enable vaccination and medical services in rural belts.
4. Smart Cities: Enhance planning and infrastructure using precise geolocation data.
5. Digital India: Contribute to digitally empowering every citizen.

While some X (formerly Twitter) posts have compared DIGIPIN to global systems like Google Plus Codes and What3Words, DIGIPIN stands apart due to its government backing, seamless integration with the postal system, and open-source transparency—making it a unique initiative in the global geospatial landscape.

How to Get Your DIGIPIN?

Getting your DIGIPIN is simple and free:

1. Visit the website: Go to the Know Your DIGIPIN portal (https://dac.indiapost.gov.in/mydigipin/home).
2. Enter your location: Use GPS or manually input your latitude and longitude.
3. Generate your code: Instantly receive your unique 10-character DIGIPIN.
4. QR Code download: Save and share your DIGIPIN using the generated QR code.

You can also check your area’s traditional PIN code using the Know Your PINCode portal.

DIGIPIN and Privacy Concerns

Some users on X have raised concerns about privacy due to DIGIPIN’s precise tracking capabilities. India Post has clarified that DIGIPIN is an open-source, citizen-centric system. All data usage is transparent and intended solely to improve services—not for surveillance. However, users are advised to share their DIGIPIN only with trusted services.

DIGIPIN’s Global Relevance

DIGIPIN is now being compared with other international digital addressing systems. However, what sets it apart is its official backing, integration with India’s postal infrastructure, and open-source availability. These aspects make it a landmark initiative not just for India but for the future of global geospatial innovation.

Conclusion

DIGIPIN is a step by India Post that has the potential to redefine how we perceive addresses in the digital era. From enhancing emergency response and logistics to empowering digital governance, DIGIPIN is poised to transform lives across urban and rural India.

Visit the Know Your DIGIPIN portal today and claim your unique code. With DIGIPIN, you’re not just simplifying your address—you’re contributing to India’s digital evolution.

🔗 Check your DIGIPIN now: https://dac.indiapost.gov.in/mydigipin/home
🔗 India Post Twitter: @IndiaPostOffice

Also Read

• Voice Command Ticket Booking Launched by IRCTC via AskDISHA 2.0 – Book Trains Using Just Your Voice