DIGIPIN
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DIGIPIN is a distinctive ten-character alphanumeric identifier that can be assigned to any property spanning roughly 4 by 4 square meters within India. This allows for its application to nearly all property types—whether in urban neighborhoods, rural villages, or coastal and maritime zones.
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The Department of Posts has developed DIGIPIN’s core technology in partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad and the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), which operates under the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
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The government has clarified that DIGIPIN is designed to be open-source, interoperable, and privacy-conscious. Each code is based solely on the property’s geographic coordinates, ensuring no personal data is embedded or stored in the system.
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Rather than replacing the existing six-digit PIN code, DIGIPIN is meant to complement it by providing a more precise location layer over traditional postal addresses.
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Alongside the launch of the digital tool “Know Your DIGIPIN,” the Department of Posts also introduced “Know Your PIN Code,” which aligns with the objectives of the National Geospatial Policy 2022. This initiative supports the modernization of India's postal addressing framework and geospatial infrastructure.
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The “Know Your PIN Code” web app uses GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) capabilities to help users pinpoint the correct PIN code based on their location and offer feedback for enhancing PIN code accuracy
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The Postal Index Number (PIN) system was launched on August 15, 1972, with the goal of streamlining mail sorting and delivery in India. This system became essential in a country where numerous places share similar or identical names and where correspondence is often written in multiple languages.
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The PIN code consists of six digits. The first digit identifies the postal zone—such as North, South, East, or West—with the digit 9 reserved for the Army Postal Service. The second digit specifies the sub-region, while the third digit points to the specific sorting district. The last three digits further refine the address by indicating the exact post office responsible for delivery.
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The introduction of the PIN system was led by Shriram Bhikaji Velankar, who served as an additional secretary in the Union Ministry of Communications and was a senior figure on the Posts and Telegraphs Board
- In the Union Budget 2025, the government introduced the National Geospatial Mission, aimed at building essential geospatial infrastructure and datasets. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that the initiative, aligned with the PM Gati Shakti framework, would help advance the modernization of land records, urban development, and infrastructure project design
- As part of this mission, Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched a new Central government project in February called ‘NAKSHA’—short for National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations
- This program is a city-level land survey initiative that falls under the broader Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP). It is led by the Department of Land Resources (DoLR) under the Ministry of Rural Development, and is fully funded by the Central Government.
- As per the DoLR, the NAKSHA program seeks to develop a detailed and precise geospatial database for urban land records. By combining aerial imagery, ground surveys, and GIS technology, the program aims to improve land governance, simplify property record management, and support effective urban planning.
- High-quality geospatial data will also aid in better decision-making, optimize land use, and provide more reliable and efficient property transactions
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Regarding DIGIPIN’s precision, India Post noted that its accuracy largely depends on the quality and capability of the device used to capture the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) coordinates.
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GNSS operates through a network of satellites orbiting the Earth, constantly transmitting radio signals embedded with exact timing and positioning data. When a GNSS receiver—such as one found in smartphones—can access signals from at least four satellites, it determines its location using a method known as trilateration.
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To achieve worldwide coverage, a satellite network must consist of roughly 18 to 30 satellites strategically positioned in orbit. Multiple GNSS systems are maintained by different countries and unions. The most well-known among them are the GPS from the United States, Galileo from the European Union, GLONASS from Russia, and BeiDou from China. Additionally, certain regions operate their own localized systems, such as India’s NavIC and Japan’s QZSS, which cater to specific geographic zones rather than the entire globe.
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NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation), developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is India’s regional GNSS. It is composed of eight satellites that provide navigational services across India and up to about 1,500 kilometers beyond its borders.
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The NavIC system offers two categories of services: the Standard Positioning Service (SPS) for general public and commercial applications, and the Restricted Service (RS) reserved for military and strategic use, both covering the Indian mainland and adjacent areas
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For Prelims: NavIC system , Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), National Geospatial Mission
For Mains: GS III - Science and technology
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Previous Year Questions
1. With reference to the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), consider the following statements: (UPSC 2018)
1. IRNSS has three satellites in geostationary and four satellites in geosynchronous orbits.
2. IRNSS covers entire India and about 5500 sq. km beyond its borders.
3. India will have its own satellite navigation system with full global coverage by the middle of 2019.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only B. 1 and 2 only C. 2 and 3 only D. None
Answer: A
2. Full form of NavIC is : (CGPSC 2022)
A. Navigation without International Control
B. Navigation with Indian Constellation
C. Navigation with Indian Coastal
D. Navigation with Indian Cooperation
Answer: B
3. ISRO is related to (SSC JE EE 2020)
A. space research
B. agricultural research
C. seed research
D. marine research
Answer: A
4. With reference to India's satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2018)
1. PSLVs launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
2. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
3. GSLV Mk III is a four- staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only B. 2 and 3 C. 1 and 2 D. 3 only
Answer: A
5. In which of the following areas can GPS technology be used? (UPSC 2018)
1. Mobile phone operations
2. Banking operations
3. Controlling the power grids
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D
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