India is set to roll out a nationwide verified caller ID system by March 2026, a major step to combat spam and fraudulent calls. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) are implementing the "Calling Name Presentation" (CNAP) service. This system will display the real, verified name of the caller on the recipient's phone screen, using data from SIM card registrations.^[1][2][3][4] ### New System to Combat Spam and Fraud The CNAP system aims to bring transparency to incoming calls. Unlike third-party apps, CNAP will use official, government-verified data, directly from the Know Your Customer (KYC) documents submitted during SIM card registration.^[1][2][5][6] This network-level feature will be integrated into India's telecom infrastructure.^[1][2] Telecom operators like Vodafone Idea and Reliance Jio have already started pilot runs in circles like Haryana.^[3][4][7] The DoT expects a pan-India rollout by March 31, 2026, with an internal target of December 2025.^[3][4][8][7] TRAI believes CNAP will significantly reduce spam and fraudulent calls, including "digital arrests" and financial phishing attempts.^[1][3][9] It will empower mobile users to make informed decisions before answering calls, enhancing overall consumer protection.^[1] India lost approximately ₹22,845 crore to cybercrime in 2024, highlighting the urgent need for such a system. ^[10]### How CNAP Works and User Impact The CNAP service will be enabled by default for all users on 4G and 5G networks. S^[2][11][9]ubscribers will have the option to opt out by contacting their telecom service provider. W^[2][9]hen a call is made, the terminating network will query its database to display the caller's verified name. T^[1][6]his name will match the one provided during SIM registration, ensuring authenticity. ^[2][11]Currently, Indian telecom networks only display the Calling Line Identification (CLI), which is just the phone number. C^[2][6]NAP will add an extra layer of information, making it harder for malicious actors to impersonate legitimate entities. T^[1][11][6]he system is designed to work natively on smartphones and basic phones without needing third-party applications. H^[2]owever, 2G network users, comprising over 200 million subscribers, may not initially benefit due to technical limitations and will likely be included after further studies. ^{[3][11][9][8]}### Addressing Challenges and Future Steps Telecom operators are tasked with building and maintaining Calling Name (CNAM) databases. T^[1][2][6]hey have raised concerns about attributing CNAP for business connections or family-shared mobile numbers. T^[8][12]he DoT and TRAI are working to balance user safety with privacy, ensuring stringent data protection measures. U^[5][10]sers with Calling Line Identification Restriction (CLIR) enabled will remain exempt from name display for privacy protection. ^[9]The DoT will also work with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to ensure seamless rollout and device compatibility. N^[9][8]ew mobile devices sold in India after a notified cut-off date will be required to support CNAP functionality. T^[9][8]his initiative marks a significant step towards a more secure and transparent digital future for India's mobile users. ^[1][5][9]