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On Which Longitude is Indian Standard Time Based?

By Divansh Singh

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Updated on 5 Feb 2025, 11:12 IST

Indian Standard Time (IST) is the official time zone of India. But on which longitude is Indian Standard Time based upon? The Indian Standard Time longitude is determined by the 82.5° East longitude, which is also called the Standard Meridian of India. This longitude passes through Mirzapur, a city in Uttar Pradesh. Because of this, IST follows UTC+5:30, meaning it is 5 hours and 30 minutes ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).

Many people on which longitude is the Indian Standard Time determined. India is a vast country with multiple longitudes, but to avoid confusion, a single IST meridian was chosen. The time zone longitude of India helps maintain a uniform time across the country. So, IST is based on which longitude? The answer is 82.5 degrees east longitude IST, making it the reference point for all Indian clocks.

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The longitude of IST plays a crucial role in setting the country's time. Since Mirzapur longitude and IST are connected, the Indian Standard Time latitude and longitude are essential for accurate timekeeping. The Standard Meridian of India helps synchronize India's time with international standards.

Thus, when people ask on which longitude is Indian Standard Time based upon, the answer remains 82.5° East longitude. It ensures consistency in the time zone of India, keeping everything on track with India’s time standard

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History of Indian Standard Time

The history of Indian Standard Time (IST) goes back to the British era. Before India had a single time zone, different cities followed their own local time. But to bring uniformity, the government introduced India’s time standard, now known as IST. So, on which longitude is Indian Standard Time based upon? The Indian Standard Time longitude is fixed at 82.5° East longitude, which is also called the Standard Meridian of India. This longitude passes through Mirzapur, a city in Uttar Pradesh.

Before IST was established, major cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai followed their own local times based on the sun’s position. However, this created confusion in trade, communication, and railway schedules. To solve this issue, in 1906, the British set Indian Standard Time (IST) based on the 82.5 degrees east longitude IST, ensuring uniformity in the time zone of India.

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The IST meridian or time zone longitude of India was officially adopted after India gained independence in 1947. The longitude of IST at 82.5° East longitude was chosen because it lies almost in the middle of the country, ensuring a balanced time for all states. The connection between Mirzapur longitude and IST makes it the reference point for the entire nation.

Even today, IST follows UTC+5:30 and remains crucial for all official timings. The Indian Standard Time latitude and longitude continue to define India’s time standard, making it an essential part of the country’s history.

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Calculation of Indian Standard Time

To understand the calculation of Indian Standard Time (IST), we need to know the specific longitude on which Indian Standard Time is based upon. The Indian Standard Time longitude is 82.5° East longitude, which is also referred to as the standard meridian of India. This meridian runs through Mirzapur, a city in Uttar Pradesh.

Basis of Indian Standard Time

The Indian Standard Time (IST) is calculated based on the standard meridian of India, which is located at 82.5° East longitude. This means that IST is derived by taking the time at this specific longitude and adjusting it to create a uniform time zone across the country.

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How IST Works?

  1. Time Zone Offset: Indian Standard Time is set at UTC+5:30, meaning it is 5 hours and 30 minutes ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).
  2. Central Location: The choice of 82.5° East longitude as the reference point allows for a central time that minimizes discrepancies across different regions in India, which spans a wide range of longitudes.
  3. Mirzapur's Role: The clock tower in Mirzapur serves as the reference point for IST, ensuring that the entire country observes the same time standard based on this longitude.

Former Time-zones of India

Time ZoneUTCPeriodPurpose
Bombay TimeUTC+04:511884–1955Official
Calcutta TimeUTC+05:53:201884–1948Official
Chennai TimeUTC+05:21:141802–1906Railways
Port Blair mean timeUTC+06:10:3719th century–1906Local

Standard Meridian of India

The Standard Meridian of India is an important concept that determines the country's official time. Specifically, the Indian Standard Time (IST) is based on 82.5° East longitude, which is also referred to as 82°30' E. This standard meridian passes through Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh, and it plays a crucial role in defining the time zone of India.

Key Points about the Standard Meridian of India

  • Indian Standard Time (IST): The time observed in India is known as Indian Standard Time, which is calculated based on the Standard Meridian of India at 82.5° East longitude. This means that IST is UTC+5:30, which indicates that it is 5 hours and 30 minutes ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).
  • Longitude of IST: The specific longitude on which Indian Standard Time is based is 82.5 degrees east longitude IST. This central meridian helps synchronize clocks across the vast geographical expanse of India, ensuring a uniform time standard.
  • Why 82.5° E?: The selection of this particular longitude as the standard meridian allows for a balanced time system across the country. Without a standard meridian, regions like Dwarka in Gujarat and Dibrugarh in Assam would experience significant time differences, approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes apart.
  • Mirzapur Longitude and IST: The Mirzapur longitude and IST are significant because Mirzapur serves as a reference point for determining Indian Standard Time. This location helps maintain consistency in timekeeping across different states.
  • Time Zone Longitude of India: The time zone longitude of India, defined by the standard meridian, ensures that all parts of the country follow the same clock time despite their geographical differences.

Indian Standard Time Longitude

Indian Standard Time (IST) is based upon 82.5° East longitude. This specific longitude serves as the standard meridian of India, which is crucial for determining the time zone of India. The location of this longitude passes through Mirzapur, a city in Uttar Pradesh, which is significant for its role in defining India's time standard.

In summary, the question on which longitude is Indian Standard Time based upon? can be answered with a clear reference to 82.5° East longitude, emphasizing its significance as the standard meridian of India and its connection to Mirzapur.

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FAQs on On Which Longitude is Indian Standard Time Based?

Why is IST set at 82.5 degrees east?

IST is set at 82.5 degrees east because this longitude is centrally located in India, balancing the time differences between the eastern and western parts of the country.

Indian Standard Time is the local time of which city?

Indian Standard Time is primarily based on the local time of Mirzapur, a city in Uttar Pradesh, which lies near the 82.5° East longitude.

What is the UTC offset for Indian Standard Time?

The UTC offset for Indian Standard Time (IST) is UTC+5:30, meaning it is 5 hours and 30 minutes ahead of Coordinated Universal Time.

When was Indian Standard Time officially adopted?

Indian Standard Time was officially adopted on January 1, 1906, and has been the standard time used across India since then.

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