Department of Consumer Affairs Issues Draft Legal Metrology (Indian Standard Time) Rules, 2025

Department of Consumer Affairs Issues Draft Legal Metrology (Indian Standard Time) Rules, 2025

The Department of Consumer Affairs has released the Draft Legal Metrology (Indian Standard Time) Rules, 2025, a significant step towards standardizing and mandating the use of Indian Standard Time (IST) across all sectors in India.

Key Features of the Draft Legal Metrology (Indian Standard Time) Rules, 2025

• Mandatory Use of IST: The use of Indian Standard Time (IST) will be required across all sectors, including commerce, transport, public administration, legal contracts, and financial operations.
• Prohibition: No individual or entity shall use, display, or record any time other than IST for official or commercial purposes, unless permitted by a specific law, government direction, or guideline.
• Adoption of Time Synchronization Protocols: Government offices will be required to adopt time synchronization protocols such as the Network Time Protocol (NTP) and Precision Time Protocol (PTP).
• Cybersecurity: To enhance resilience, the rules prescribe cybersecurity measures and alternative reference mechanisms for time synchronization.
• Authorized Deviations: The use of alternative time scales (such as GMT) is allowed for specific purposes, such as astronomy, navigation, or scientific research, subject to prior authorization.

Significance of the New Draft Rules

• These rules strengthen national security by improving the synchronization of critical infrastructure.
• They ensure the reliable and efficient functioning of digital devices and public services through consistent time synchronization.
• They will facilitate accurate financial transactions and maintain consistency in record-keeping.

About IST
Indian Standard Time (IST) is based on the country's central meridian (82°30’E, passing through Mirzapur) and is maintained by CSIR-NPL.
IST is 5 hours and 30 minutes ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), which is now referred to as Universal Coordinated Time (UTC).
The time at the Prime Meridian (0° longitude) is known as GMT.

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