NavIC GPS: Everything You Need to Know About India’s Navigation System
- Kalyan Bhattacharjee
- Jul 16
- 3 min read
Overview
With smartphones, vehicles, and even smartwatches increasingly relying on location tracking, GPS has become an invisible utility powering modern life. While most devices depend on the U.S.-based Global Positioning System (GPS), India has developed its own homegrown alternative - NavIC.
But what exactly is NavIC, how does it work, and how is it different from GPS?
Let’s explore everything you need to know about India’s NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) system in 2025.
What is NavIC? 🔍
NavIC, short for Navigation with Indian Constellation, is India’s indigenous satellite navigation system developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It was designed to provide accurate position information to users in India and the surrounding region.
Originally known as IRNSS (Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System), NavIC is essentially India’s version of GPS but optimized for regional performance and applications.
How NavIC Works 🛰️
NavIC operates using a constellation of 7 satellites in geostationary and inclined geosynchronous orbits. These satellites cover the Indian landmass and a region extending up to 1,500 km around it.
3 satellites are in geostationary orbit
4 satellites are in inclined geosynchronous orbit
This setup ensures 24/7 real-time positioning, especially optimized for India’s geography.
NavIC vs GPS: What’s the Difference? ⚙️
Feature | NavIC (India) | GPS (USA) |
Owned by | ISRO (India) | U.S. Department of Defense |
Satellite Coverage | 7 satellites (regional) | 31+ satellites (global) |
Accuracy in India | ~5 meters | ~10 meters |
Frequency Bands | L5 (1176.45 MHz), S-band | L1, L2, L5 |
Target Area | India + 1500 km radius | Global |
Civil + Military Use | Yes | Yes |
Power Consumption | Lower (optimized regionally) | Slightly higher for devices |
Is NavIC Supported in Smartphones? 📱
As of 2025, many mid-range and flagship smartphones in India come with NavIC support. Chip manufacturers like Qualcomm and MediaTek have integrated NavIC into their newer SoCs.
Look for phones with Snapdragon 720G, 662, 865, 6 Gen 1, 8 Gen 2 or newer — many of these support NavIC out of the box.
✅ Popular NavIC-Supported Brands (2025):
Xiaomi / Redmi / POCO
Realme
iQOO
Motorola
Lava
Samsung (select models)
Advantages of NavIC 🔐
Improved Accuracy in India ✅
NavIC offers better accuracy than GPS in the Indian region due to lower elevation angle requirements and stronger signals.
Regional Dependence ✅
With strategic concerns rising, India having its own satellite navigation system enhances data sovereignty and national security.
Disaster and Rescue Support ✅
NavIC satellites are also equipped with Search and Rescue (SAR) capabilities, aiding in disaster management and emergency response.
Low Power Consumption ✅
Devices using NavIC require less power for tracking, which benefits wearables and battery-sensitive use cases.
Where is NavIC Used in India? 🧭
NavIC is already in use across several domains:
Fisheries: Real-time alerts and guidance for deep-sea fishermen
Disaster Management: Cyclone and flood alert systems
Transportation: Vehicle tracking and route navigation
Railways: Real-time train location and safety systems
Military & Strategic Use: Secure communications and navigation
What's Next for NavIC? 🔄
ISRO is actively working on expanding NavIC’s coverage from regional to global. Additional satellites are being planned for global navigation capabilities in the coming years.
Moreover, ISRO plans to integrate L1 frequency, which is globally supported by smartphones and IoT devices, making NavIC compatible with a broader range of gadgets.
Quick Recap 📌
NavIC is India’s own satellite-based positioning system developed by ISRO.
Offers higher accuracy and faster lock-in times than GPS in India.
Supported by modern smartphones, transport systems, and government services.
Aims to reduce dependency on foreign navigation systems for critical applications.
Key Takeaways 🧠
As India moves toward technological independence, systems like NavIC play a critical role in shaping the future. Whether you’re navigating the city streets, managing logistics, or using a fitness tracker - chances are, NavIC will be a key enabler.
Next time your phone locks on to your location instantly, you just might have NavIC to thank.
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