Explained: What is DIGIPIN, what are its benefits, and how to generate your own code?

DIGIPIN was introduced by the government last May to simplify location mapping in India and improve logistics and emergency response. This new digital platform, introduced under the National Geospatial Policy 2022, will ensure last-mile delivery, especially in rural areas. According to the government, the launch of DIGIPIN is a significant step towards modernizing India's addressing system and geospatial governance. Let's learn more about DIGIPIN in detail.

What is DIGIPIN?

DIGIPIN stands for Digital Postal Index Number. It is an open-source, interoperable, geo-coded, grid-based digital address system developed by the Department of Posts in collaboration with IIT Hyderabad and NRSC, ISRO. In simple terms, it is a location-based digital code to identify a very specific point on a map. Instead of representing an entire neighborhood or area, each DIGIPIN is associated with a small geographic grid, roughly the size of a room, and is derived from latitude and longitude coordinates.

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

With DIGIPIN, the Department of Posts aims to provide Address-as-a-Service (AaaS) for secure and efficient interaction between users, government entities, and private sector organizations. This digital platform has been reviewed and adopted by the Thematic Working Group on Addresses under the National Geospatial Policy 2022. According to the government, it is available to all ministries, state governments, and institutions for integration into their workflows and for users for their own use.

Advantages of DIGIPIN
Greater Accuracy than PIN Codes - Unlike the traditional PIN code system, which covers large postal areas, DIGIPIN offers location-level accuracy. According to the information received, this precise method reduces navigation and delivery errors, especially in densely populated, poorly addressed, or rural areas.

Precise Location Identification - Since DIGIPIN is linked to a specific location using latitude and longitude coordinates, it is able to identify individual properties rather than broadly defined areas, eliminating the ambiguity of traditional address formats.

Interoperable - DIGIPIN is an open-source digital platform designed to work across all platforms and systems. It can be integrated with GIS tools, e-commerce platforms, logistics networks, and emergency services without any ecosystem lock-in issues.

DIGIPIN vs. PIN Code
While DIGIPIN might seem like a modern replacement for India's traditional PIN code system, they serve very different purposes.

The traditional six-digit PIN code identifies a postal area serviced by a particular post office. As such, a single PIN code can cover hundreds of houses. While this may be useful for mail sorting, it makes precise navigation difficult.

On the other hand, DIGIPIN identifies a precise location, even distinguishing between two buildings on the same street. It is designed to complement the PIN code system, not replace it. However, while PIN codes are numeric and area-based, DIGIPINs are alphanumeric and grid-based.

How to find your DIGIPIN?
Citizens can generate their DIGIPIN through the official portal provided by India Post. This code can be saved for future use in deliveries, registrations, or navigation. Because it is linked to a fixed geographic point, it remains the same unless the location chosen while generating the DIGIPIN changes. Using a web browser on your phone or computer, go to the Know Your DIGIPIN page on the official India Post website.
Allow location access when prompted, or manually search for an address or move the map to your desired location.
Zoom in and place the pin precisely on your specific property, such as your home or office.
The platform will automatically generate a 10-character alphanumeric DIGIPIN for the selected location. Copy, share, or save the DIGIPIN for future use.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Dainik Jagran. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.