NEW DELHI. The department of posts has announced a major technological leap in India’s addressing system with the launch of DIGIPIN, a new 10-digit alphanumeric digital code that will replace the existing six-digit Postal Index Number (PIN) system introduced in 1972.
Developed jointly by IIT Hyderabad and the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) of ISRO, the DIGIPIN system is designed to pinpoint every address in India with high accuracy, mapping each location to a four-metre by four-metre grid.
According to Vivek Daksh, deputy director general, department of posts, the new system aims to improve precision and efficiency in sorting and delivery. He stated that the traditional PIN code system, though effective for its time, now needs an upgrade to match modern delivery and navigation requirements.
The DIGIPIN system is expected to enhance last-mile delivery services, support emergency response systems, and simplify navigation in rural and densely populated urban areas where conventional addresses often lead to confusion.
To facilitate smooth implementation, the postal department has sought technical and strategic assistance from institutions such as IIM and IISc Bengaluru to study the nationwide adoption of the digital pincode framework.
While the existing six-digit PIN codes will continue for now, the new DIGIPIN system marks the beginning of a phased transition towards a more accurate, technology-driven addressing infrastructure across the country.
