DIGIPIN, short for Digital Postal Index Number, is a geo-coded digital addressing system introduced by the Department of Posts, in collaboration with IIT Hyderabad and ISRO’s NRSC
It divides India’s entire geographical area into approximately 4m × 4m grid cells, assigning each a unique 10-character alphanumeric code based on latitude and longitude coordinates
Why DIGIPIN Is Important
- Precision Addressing:
Unlike traditional PIN codes that identify broader localities, DIGIPIN pinpoints a specific location within a 4m × 4m grid. It can include remote areas such as forests, rural zones, or maritime regions, where standard addresses may not exist - Multiple Use Cases:
Ideal for reliable e-commerce deliveries, government services, emergency response (like ambulances and rescue teams), logistics optimization, and accurately identifying locations without formal addresses - Privacy-Safe and Open Source:
DIGIPIN does not store any personal information—it only encodes the geographic coordinates. The system is public, open-source, and designed for privacy-conscious use
How DIGIPIN Works
1. On the ‘Know Your DIGIPIN’ portal on the official India Post website, users can:
- Share location via GPS or manually input coordinates.
- Click “Generate DIGIPIN”.
- Immediately receive a 10-digit alphanumeric code unique to that grid
2. The code is generated based purely on map coordinates, ensuring high accuracy even
DIGIPIN vs Traditional PIN Code
DIGIPIN vs Traditional PIN Code
| Feature | DIGIPIN | Traditional PIN Code |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | ~4m × 4m grid level | Entire locality or zone |
| Format | 10-character alphanumeric code | 6-digit numeric |
| Accuracy | Very high | Moderate |
| Use Case | Emerging use cases—logistics, AaaS | Mail sorting, postal routes |
| Personal Data Storage | ❌ None | N/A |
DIGIPIN complements the postal PIN, offering an additional precision layer without replacing the existing system
How DIGIPIN Can Help You
- Enhance deliveries and courier services with accurate location tagging
- Support emergency services in reaching exact spots rapidly
- Facilitate e-commerce, public service access, and digital governance
- Improve mapping in remote or informal settlements—where conventional addresses are unclear
How to Find Your DIGIPIN
- Visit: India Post’s official portal > Know Your DIGIPIN
- Allow your device GPS or manually enter latitude & longitude
- Click “Generate DIGIPIN”
- Share or save the 10-character code for precise location identification
Public Participation & Beta Feedback
The system is currently in beta testing. The public is invited to test the application and submit suggestions via email to digipin@indiapost.gov.in by relevant deadlines (e.g., 31 July 2025 or earlier)
Real-World Examples
Recently, India Post rolled out IT 2.0 digital services at the Madikeri Post Office. This included the introduction of a 10-digit DIGIPIN system to enhance delivery accuracy—even in remote postal zones—alongside UPI payment support and improved connectivity for rural service delivery
Final Thoughts
DIGIPIN marks a revolutionary step in modernizing India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). By bridging the gap between physical locations and digital representation, it enables high-precision services, efficient governance, and user-friendly solutions, even in unstructured areas
This geo-coded addressing system is becoming essential for logistics, emergency response, e-commerce, and citizen services ushering India into the realm of smart addressing.
