National Geospatial Mission 2025: DIGIPIN, NAKSHA & NavIC for Entrance Exam Prep

Key Features of DIGIPIN
10-Digit Alphanumeric Code: Unique identifier for any 4×4 meter property (urban/rural/maritime).
Developed By: India Post + IIT Hyderabad + ISRO’s National Remote Sensing Centre.
Privacy-First: Encodes geographic coordinates only (no personal data).
Complements PIN Codes: Adds precision to existing postal addresses (does not replace 6-digit PINs).
Open-Source & Interoperable: Integrates with platforms like “Know Your DIGIPIN” and “Know Your PINCODE”.
Exam Link: Aligns with National Geospatial Policy 2022 and Union Budget 2025’s Geospatial Mission.
 

Why DIGIPIN Matters for Governance
Emergency Services: Faster police/ambulance response via precise location mapping.
E-Commerce: Streamlines last-mile delivery for Amazon/Flipkart.
Land Records: Integrates with NAKSHA (urban land surveys under DILRMP).
Rural Development: Centrally funded by Ministry of Rural Development.
Technology: Powered by GNSS (NavIC, GPS, Galileo) – accuracy depends on device capabilities.
 

Related Initiatives
NAKSHA (National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey)
Objective: Create digital urban land records using drones/GIS tech.
Ministry: Rural Development (100% centrally funded).
Significance: Modernizes property transactions, infrastructure planning, and PM Gati Shakti integration.
NavIC (India’s GNSS)
Developed by: ISRO (8 satellites covering India + 1,500 km beyond).
Services:
Standard Positioning (public/commercial use).
Restricted Service (defense forces).
Global GNSS: GPS (US), Galileo (EU), GLONASS (Russia), BeiDou (China).
 

Historical Context: PIN Codes
Introduced: August 15, 1972, by Shriram Bhikaji Velankar (Mo Communications).
Structure: 6 digits = Region (e.g., 5=South) → Sub-region → Sorting District → Post Office.
Purpose: Resolve duplicate place names/language barriers in mail delivery.
 

Sample Exam Q&A
Q: How does DIGIPIN improve India’s addressing system?
A: Offers hyper-accurate location IDs (4x4m properties) for emergency services, e-commerce, and land governance.
Q: Which satellite system powers DIGIPIN’s accuracy?
A: GNSS networks like NavIC (India), GPS (US), or Galileo (EU).
Q: How is NAKSHA linked to land record modernization?
A: It conducts drone/GIS surveys for urban areas under DILRMP (Digital India Land Records Program).
Q: What constitutional provisions relate to postal services?
A: Union List (Entry 31): Posts, telegraphs, telephones.
Q: Which ministry launched NAKSHA?
A: Ministry of Rural Development (100% central funding).