TRAI DLT Update: Mandatory Variable Tagging for SMS Templates
TRAI has directed that all Principal Entities implement mandatory variable tagging for SMS templates on the DLT platform. This applies to templates used for SMS delivery in India.
Key points:
New templates created on or after 14 January 2026 must use approved variable tags. Only data matching the tag type (e.g. numeric for OTP, url for links) can be sent at runtime.
Approved variable tags include: {#numeric#} (OTPs, amounts), {#alphanumeric#} (reference IDs), {#url#} (website links), {#urlott#} (app/OTT links), {#cbn#} (callback numbers), {#email#} (email addresses).
Existing templates registered before 15 January 2026 have a 60-day window for updation; the exact window will be communicated in due course.
After the enforcement deadline, non-compliant messages may be rejected and not delivered.
SMSGatewayCenter is asking all customers to register new templates with variables correctly tagged and to plan updates for existing templates within the given timeline. Align your technical and campaign teams so that template content and runtime data match the approved tags.
Full notice and action steps: https://www.smsgatewaycenter.com/blog/trai-dlt-mandatory-variable-tagging-sms-templates/