Smart Government in 2026: 6 apps making everyday services easier for Indians

Not very long ago, getting any work done at a government office usually meant preparing for a bit of a process. You’d fill out forms, carry a file full of documents, stand in line, and sometimes realize one paper was missing.

That often meant coming back another day.For many people in India, that routine feels very familiar.But things have slowly started to change. Over the past few years, several government departments have introduced mobile apps that make some services easier to access. You may still need paperwork in some cases, but a lot of small tasks can now be handled directly from a smartphone.These apps let people store documents, make payments, check information, track parcels, learn online, and even contact emergency services if needed.Here are some government apps that many people across India find useful in their daily lives.

DigiLocker

Picture this: you’re asked to show your driving license, and that’s when you realize your wallet isn’t with you.That’s where DigiLocker comes in handy. The app works like a digital folder where people can keep important government documents. Items such as Aadhaar, PAN card, and driving license can be stored in the app and accessed whenever required.

Instead of carrying physical copies everywhere, you can simply open the app and show the digital version on your phone.

BHIM UPI

UPI payments have become a regular part of everyday life. BHIM UPI is one of the apps that allows users to make these transactions.Through the app, people can send or receive money directly from their bank accounts. It runs on the same UPI system that powers many other payment apps, making transfers quick and straightforward.

UMANG

Sometimes it feels like you need a different app for every government service. UMANG tries to solve that by bringing several services together in one place.The platform connects users to a wide range of government services. People can check bills, access PF-related services, and handle other tasks without switching between multiple apps.

DigiYatra

Frequent flyers may already be familiar with DigiYatra.The app uses facial recognition technology to help speed up certain steps at airports.

At airports where the system is available, passengers can move through some checkpoints faster during the travel process.

NextGen mParivahan

Drivers often worry about forgetting important vehicle documents. NextGen mParivahan was created to make that less of a concern.The app allows people to keep digital versions of their driving license and vehicle registration certificate (RC) on their phone. It can also be used to check traffic challans or view vehicle information.

AIS App

Tax-related details can sometimes feel confusing to keep track of. The AIS App, provided by the Income Tax Department, helps users view their Annual Information Statement.This statement includes financial information linked to the taxpayer. If something doesn’t look right, users can also submit feedback through the app.Thumb image: Canva (for representative purposes only)