India To Roll Out Verified Caller Name Feature Nationwide By 2026

The Indian government is introducing a new verified caller ID feature called Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) to display the caller’s real name during incoming calls.

The initiative, approved by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), aims to enhance transparency and trust in mobile communication.

The feature will be enabled by default for all users across the country, though subscribers can choose to opt out through their telecom operator. According to a PTI report, the nationwide rollout is expected by March 31, 2026.

CNAP will work within the telecom network using verified KYC data collected during SIM registration, Unlike third-party apps such as Truecaller. Vodafone Idea has begun its pilot in Haryana, while Jio will test CNAP in Haryana for calls originating from anywhere in India.

Currently, Indian networks only display phone numbers through Calling Line Identification (CLI). CNAP will add the caller’s verified name, making communication more transparent and helping curb spam, fraud, and cybercrimes such as financial scams and digital arrests.

To support the service, telecom operators will maintain a Calling Name (CNAM) database linking verified names with phone numbers, and the system will use the Local Number Portability Database (LNPD) to verify the caller’s details.

TRAI had recommended in February 2024 that CNAP be activated on subscriber request, but DoT decided it should be enabled by default, with an opt-out option.