NATGRID (National Intelligence Grid)
What is NATGRID?
A secure real-time information access platform for police and investigative agencies.
Integrates government + private databases for faster intelligence and investigation.
Became operational last year (after being conceptualised in 2009 post-26/11 attacks).
The National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) was developed as an attached office of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) of the Government of India.
Technology Partner: The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC Pune) serves as the primary technology partner for implementing and operating the NATGRID solution, in line with the vision of a self-reliant India.
Provide a single platform for security agencies to access:
Driving licence records
Aadhaar registration
Airline data
Bank records
Social media account details (related to specific posts/issues)
Helps “join the dots” in investigations or during intelligence development—even without an FIR.
Usage
Currently receives around 45,000 requests per month.
Access expanded:
Earlier: Only 10 Central agencies (IB, RAW, NIA, ED, FIU, NCB, DRI etc.)
Now: SP-rank officers in State Police also have access.
Implementation History
Conceived in 2009 under P. Chidambaram (post-26/11).
Stalled for years due to inter-agency disagreements.
Revived again in 2019:
Differences resolved.
Made accessible to State Police.
Platform operationalised.
Issues Reported by States
Logging into the portal is time-consuming.
“Real-time” data sometimes takes longer to appear.
Cybersecurity Concerns
Government strengthening cyber-protection measures.
India reported 20.41 lakh cybersecurity incidents in 2024 (highest since 2020).
NATGRID must maintain data sanctity and confidentiality.
Prelims Practice MCQs
Q. Consider the following statements about NATGRID:
It allows access to government as well as certain private databases in real time.
It was first conceptualised in the aftermath of the 26/11 attacks.
Registration of an FIR is mandatory before an agency can request NATGRID data.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B
Statement 3 is incorrect — FIR is not required.
Q. Consider the following statements related to NATGRID:
It was revived with fresh momentum under the Home Ministry in 2019.
It is used only for counter-terror investigations.
It helps in intelligence development even without a registered FIR.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B
Statement 2 is incorrect — used for all types of investigations.