top of page
CONTENT TEMPLATEID HEADER IMAGE

DLT Templates, TEMPLATE ID'S

Think of templates as your message’s dress code—TRAI insists you follow it, no ifs or buts. Thanks to the TCCCPR 2018 rules, every SMS you send needs a pre-approved format.

Templates come in three types: Promotional, Transactional, and Service (Implicit/Explicit).
The catch? You must clearly mark which parts are fixed (like “Hi”) and which are variables (like the customer’s name).
No freestyling allowed—keep it clean, compliant, and on-script!

Steps to Register a Content Template

1. Login to the DLT Platform:
Start by using your credentials as a Principal Entity (PE) or Telemarketer to log into the DLT portal.

2. Navigate to the Content Template Section:
Head over to Content Template and click on Add New Content Template.

3. Define the Template Type:
Select the type of content template that fits your communication needs:
- Promotional: For commercial messages about your products or services.
- Transactional: For OTP messages related to banking and financial transactions.
- Service (Implicit/Explicit): For service messages linked to customer actions or consent.

4. Select Content Category and Registered Header:
Make sure the header you choose aligns with the message's purpose:
- Promotional headers should be numeric.
- Transactional and Service headers can be alphanumeric.
- For example, if you have various departments like billing or support, register a separate header for each.

5. Insert Content:
- Fixed Part: This should include your business name or brand, which remains the same across all messages.
- Variable Part: Use the {#var#} notation for customizable sections of the message (like customer name or order number). The variable part can include:
- Date, amount, reference numbers, transaction details, etc.
- Note: Templates that consist solely of variable content are not permitted. There must always be a fixed portion.

6. Submit the Template for Verification:
Once you've filled in the content, submit the template for review and approval by the registrar.

7. Template Approval Process:
The registrar will check the fixed and variable components within 60 minutes. You’ll receive the results via email or SMS within 72 hours.

8. Approval Notification:
After approval, your template will be registered with a unique Template ID on the DLT platform. If there are any issues, you’ll get instructions on how to fix them.
 

Guidelines for Content Template Creation

  1. Multiple Templates and Headers:

    • You’re not stuck with just one! A Principal Entity can register multiple templates under a single header or use different headers for different business units.
      Example: A bank might use separate headers for loans, credit cards, and savings—each with its own message style.

  2. Best Practices for Variable Content:

    • Use 4-5 variables for transactional/service messages.

    • Stick to 2-3 variables for promotional content.

    • Keep each variable under 20 characters—no one likes a chopped-off message!

  3. Unicode and Language Support:

    • Want to speak your customer's language? Use Unicode for non-English templates and register each script separately.

    • Just make sure the template is whitelisted in every language you plan to use.

Types of Content Templates

  1. Transactional Templates
    Used by banks/financial institutions for OTPs and secure transactions.
    Example: OTP for online banking.

  2. Service Implicit Templates
    Triggered by customer actions or ongoing service—no consent needed.
    Example: Order confirmation or balance alert.

  3. Service Explicit Templates
    Need customer’s clear consent before sending.
    Example: Loyalty program offers or special deals.

  4. Promotional Templates
    For marketing messages sent without prior consent. Always use numeric headers.
    Example: Advertising a new product launch.

Key Validation Points FOR TEMPLATE APPROVAL

  1. Brand Name Requirement:
    Every template must include your brand or company name in the fixed part—no exceptions.

  2. Fixed vs. Variable Rules:
    You must have a fixed portion (like your brand message). Variable parts (e.g., {#var#}) are optional but must follow the proper format.

  3. Template Linking:
    Once approved by one operator, your template works across all DLT platforms—no double work needed.

Submission TAT (Turnaround Time)

  • Approval Timeline:
    Templates are usually approved or rejected within 2 working days.       

  • If Rejected:
    You’ll get feedback on what needs fixing—just update the template and resubmit.
     

bottom of page