Useful Apps Every Indian Should Have: Government, Payments, Travel and Everyday Apps
A practical list of official and useful apps for India: DigiLocker, UMANG, IRCTC, UPI apps, mParivahan, the Income Tax app and safety apps, with what each does and security tips.
Most people have too many apps and not enough useful ones. The apps below do real jobs: keep documents on your phone, pay and travel without queues, file taxes, and reach government services. Where possible they are official apps, which are free and safer than lookalike copies. Always install from your phone's official store and check the publisher's name.
Identity and government services
| App | What it does |
|---|---|
| DigiLocker | Stores digital copies of Aadhaar, driving licence, marksheets, vehicle papers and PAN, issued by the issuing authority. Accepted as valid in many places under the rules. |
| UMANG | One app for many central and state services, including EPF passbook, gas bookings, certificates and bill payments. |
| mAadhaar | Carry your Aadhaar on your phone, lock biometrics and check authentication history. |
| mParivahan | Vehicle and driving licence details, and digital copies of documents for traffic checks. |
| Income Tax Department app (AIS for Taxpayers) | View your Annual Information Statement and Form 26AS data to check TDS and reported income before you file. |
| EPFO member services (via UMANG) | Check PF balance, claim status and passbook. |
| Sanchar Saathi | Check how many mobile connections are in your name and report lost phones or unwanted numbers. |
Payments and money
- UPI apps: BHIM and the apps from banks and fintech companies. Keep one or two, set a PIN you do not share and use alerts. Read our guide to UPI abroad.
- Your bank's own app: the safest place for transfers, FD booking and card controls.
- FASTag app: from the issuing bank or the NHAI app to check balance and recharge.
- A mutual fund or broker app from a regulated provider if you invest. Our SIP calculator helps you plan.
- Expense tracker: any app that reads your SMS or lets you log spending quickly. A budget calculator is a good starting point.
Travel and transport
- IRCTC Rail Connect for booking and cancelling train tickets, checking PNR and live status.
- A maps app with offline maps downloaded for places with poor coverage.
- Airline and airport apps for check-in and boarding passes.
- A cab and metro app for your city, with the metro's official app for tickets where it exists.
Health
- ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account): a health ID to store reports and share them with doctors when you choose.
- Your hospital or lab app for reports and appointments.
- Medicine reminders and a water intake tool for daily habits.
Productivity and learning
- A notes app, a calendar and a to-do list that sync across devices. You can start with the to-do list and online notepad on this site.
- A PDF scanner and an e-signature option for documents.
- A language-learning or course app that you actually use daily.
- A password manager. See our password security guide.
How to pick and vet any app
- Install only from the official store, and check the developer name against the company's website.
- Read the permissions. A torch app should not need your contacts or SMS.
- Prefer apps with a clear privacy policy and regular updates.
- Avoid loan apps that ask for contacts and photo access, and any app promising instant money. Check that a lender is regulated by the RBI.
- Delete apps you do not use. Fewer apps mean a smaller attack surface and a faster phone.
Housekeeping for your app list
Review your installed apps every few months. Remove those you have not used, revoke permissions such as location, contacts and microphone that an app does not need, and turn off notifications from apps that only advertise. Keep automatic updates on for banking, payment and government apps so that security fixes reach you quickly, and keep the phone itself updated.
Fake apps and links
Scammers publish lookalike apps and send links by SMS or messaging apps that pretend to be a bank, courier or government service. If a message asks you to install an app or enter card or UPI details through a link, do not. Read our cyber safety basics for what to do if you are targeted.
A minimal setup
If you want a short list: DigiLocker, UMANG, your bank app, a UPI app, IRCTC, a maps app, a notes app and a password manager. Add others only when you have a real need. The features and services of these apps change, so check each app's current options before relying on them.
Frequently asked questions
Is DigiLocker valid as an ID?
Documents issued through DigiLocker by the issuing authority are treated as valid under the rules, but acceptance depends on the organisation.
Which apps should I use for government services?
UMANG, DigiLocker, mAadhaar and the Income Tax department apps cover many services.
How do I know an app is genuine?
Install from the official store, check the publisher and avoid links sent in messages.
How many UPI apps do I need?
One or two is enough, with strong PIN protection.
Are loan apps safe?
Use only lenders regulated by the RBI and avoid apps that demand contact and photo access.
Can I keep documents only on my phone?
Keep digital copies in DigiLocker and backups of important originals safe.
Last reviewed 8 November 2026. Rates, limits and rules change, so confirm figures with the official source before you act.
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Information on AMTools is for general guidance and is not professional financial, tax, legal or medical advice. Rules, rates and limits change, so check the latest official source before acting.