DIGIPIN Explained: What It Is Benefits and How to Find Yours

In May this year, the government introduced DIGIPIN in India for reducing location mapping and improving logistics and emergency response. This is said to be the new digital platform, which was launched in conjunction with National Geospatial Policy 2022, will ensure that last-mile delivery (especially in rural areas) can be delivered. Similarly, the government says that “DIGIPIN” is an important step towards modernisation of India’s addressing system and geospatial governance.

From information about DIGIPIN to a step-by-step guide on the process of finding yours, here’s all you need to know.

What is DIGIPIN

The acronym DIGIPIN stands for Digital Postal Index Number. It is an interoperable, open-source and geo-coded grid-based digital address system developed by the Department of Posts in partnership with IIT Hyderabad and NRSC, ISRO. Using location-based digital code, in layman’s terms, it is an accurate way to determine exactly where the map was on the road. Rather than represent the whole neighbourhood or locality, each DIGIPIN corresponds with an approximate geographic grid (about the size of a room) from latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates.

Unlike traditional addresses, DIGIPIN is not descriptive, but has been designed to work with digital maps and location systems.

DIGIPIN is the Department of Posts’ goal to provide Address-as-Adistance (AaAS) for safe and efficient interactions between users, government entities and private sector organisations with DIMIPINS. The National Geospatial Policy 2022 has approved and adopted the digital platform by the Thematic Working Group on Address. According to the govt, it is available for all Ministries, State Governments, institutions as part of their workflows and users for use by themselves.

DIGIPIN Benefits

1 High accuracy Higher Accuracy over PIN Codes – Although DIGIPIN is the traditional system of location precision for large postal areas, it provides precise locations at an exact rate unlike other systems. It is said that its granular approach reduces navigation and delivery errors, especially in densely populated, poorly addressed or rural areas. ** **

2 DIGIPIN is a unique location-specific coordinate, since it can identify individual properties rather than generally defined areas and eliminates the confusion of traditional address formats. ** ** .

*****3 ** The DIGIPIN is an open source online platform designed to work across platforms and systems, and is a cross-platform/systems integration of interoperable – Interoperatable – digital platform. It integrates with GIS tools and e-commerce platforms, logistics networks (and even emergency services), without ecosystem lock-in issues. ****

DIGIPIN vs PIN Code

While DIGIPIN may feel like a modern replacement for India’s traditional PIN code system, they serve very different purposes.

A postal area served by a particular post office is identified in the traditional six-digit PIN code. So for example, one PIN code is also applicable to hundreds of households. Despite its usefulness in sorting mail, it is hard to find precise navigation.

Conversely, DIGIPIN identifies an exact location (two buildings on the same street). It is designed to complement the PIN code system, not replace it with a . Nevertheless, while PIN codes are numeric and region-based, DIGIPINs are alphanumeric (and grid-oriented) languages.

How to Find Your DIGIPIN

In India Post’s official portal, citizens can create their DIGIPIN. The code can be saved for future use in deliveries, registrations or navigation. This does not change since it is tied to a fixed geographic point, but only location selected at the time of searching for DIGIPIN changes.

****Step 1 Visit the Know Your DIGIPIN page of Official India Post site using a web browser on your phone/computer**

*****Step 2 Allow location if you are asked, or manually search for an address or move the map to the desired location**.

Step 3: Zoom in and place the pin accurately on the specific property, such as your home or office

**Step 4 This site automatically generates 10 character alphanumeric DIGIPIN for the location chosen. Copy, share or save the DIGIPIN for future use. *****