If you have applied (or are planning to apply) under PM-UDAY - the central government scheme that gives ownership rights to residents of Delhi's 1,731 unauthorised colonies - you will hear the words "GIS survey" very early in the process. Most applicants have no idea what it involves, which is exactly why brokers overcharge for it. This guide explains the whole step in plain language.
What Is the GIS Survey in PM-UDAY?
GIS stands for Geographic Information System. In PM-UDAY, the GIS survey is the on-site verification of your plot: a trained surveyor physically visits your property, records the GPS coordinates of the plot boundaries, measures the plot and the built-up structure floor by floor, and photographs the property.
This data becomes the geographic backbone of your PM-UDAY file. DDA uses it to confirm that the plot you claim actually exists where you say it does, lies inside the notified unauthorised-colony (UC) boundary, and matches the area you declared in your application.
Why PM-UDAY Cannot Complete Without It
Unauthorised colonies, by definition, have no sanctioned layout plans. There is no official map that says "Plot No. 45 belongs at this exact spot." The GIS survey creates that map, plot by plot. Without it:
- DDA cannot verify which land parcel your application refers to;
- charges payable (which depend on area and location) cannot be computed;
- and the final Conveyance Deed / Authorization Slip - the document that actually gives you ownership - cannot be issued.
In short: no GIS survey, no ownership document. It is not an optional add-on; it is the heart of the scheme.
GIS Survey Fee - Official Slabs by Plot Size
The survey fee is charged by plot area, measured in square metres (1 sq yard = 0.836 sq metre). The commonly applicable slabs, inclusive of GST, are:
| Plot Area | In Sq Yards (approx.) | GIS Survey Fee (incl. GST) |
|---|
| Less than 100 sq metres | Up to ~119 sq yd | ₹944 |
| 100 to less than 250 sq metres | ~120 to ~298 sq yd | ₹1,180 |
| 250 sq metres or more | ~299 sq yd and above | ₹2,950 |
The fee is normally paid directly to the surveyor at the time of the visit. Most plots in Delhi's unauthorised colonies are 25-100 sq yards, which means the large majority of applicants pay only ₹944.
Broker alert: if someone quotes you ₹5,000-10,000 "for the survey", they are padding the official fee with their own margin. The survey slab for a typical 50 sq yd plot is ₹944 - nothing more.
The Surveyor Visit - Step by Step
Appointment call
After your PM-UDAY file reaches the survey stage, you get a call to fix the visit date and time. Keep your phone reachable - missed calls are the #1 cause of delay at this stage.
Identity & reference check
The surveyor confirms your PM-UDAY reference number and matches the applicant's identity (Aadhaar) with the application.
Boundary marking with GPS
Standing at each corner of the plot, the surveyor records GPS coordinates. You (or someone who knows the plot) should be present to point out the exact boundaries, especially where walls are shared with neighbours.
Measurement & photos
Plot dimensions and the covered area of each floor are measured and noted. Photographs of the property front (and sometimes each floor) are taken.
Fee payment & acknowledgement
You pay the slab fee and the visit is logged against your application. The whole process typically takes 20-40 minutes.
Documents & Preparation Checklist
- PM-UDAY reference number (from your application/acknowledgement)
- Aadhaar card of the applicant
- One ownership document - GPA, Agreement to Sell, possession letter or registered deed
- Latest electricity bill (helps match the address)
- Someone present who can show the plot boundaries
- The survey fee amount in cash as per your slab
Tip: if the applicant is elderly, any family member who knows the property can accompany the surveyor - but keep the applicant's Aadhaar and documents at the property that day.
What Happens After the Survey
The survey data is uploaded against your application. From there the file moves through document verification and computation of charges payable. If everything is consistent - documents, declared area, GPS position inside the UC boundary - your file progresses towards the Conveyance Deed / Authorization Slip, the government paper that records ownership in your name.
Timelines vary by colony and file quality. Clean files with matching documents move fastest; files with area mismatches or missing links get objections. This is why the pre-survey paperwork matters as much as the survey itself.
Common Problems (and Fixes)
1. "Colony is in the list but my plot shows outside the boundary"
The notified UC boundary does not always cover every lane of a colony. First, retry the GPS reading standing well inside the plot - boundary-edge readings often flicker. If it consistently shows outside, get the documents professionally checked before spending more money; the plot may need a route other than PM-UDAY.
2. Declared area vs measured area mismatch
If your application says 50 sq yd but measurement shows 62 sq yd, expect an objection. It is fixable, but it delays the file. Declare the true area from the start.
3. Missing ownership chain
PM-UDAY needs your possession to be backed by documents (GPA/ATS/receipts). Gaps in the chain are the most common reason files stall after survey. A professional review before filing prevents this.
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Frequently Asked Questions
GIS survey kya hai PM-UDAY mein?
Ye aapke plot ki on-site GPS measurement hai - surveyor plot ke boundaries record karta hai, floor-wise area maapta hai aur photos leta hai. Isi data se DDA aapki file process karta hai.
What is the GIS survey fee?
₹944 for plots under 100 sqm, ₹1,180 for 100-250 sqm, ₹2,950 for 250 sqm+ (all incl. GST), paid to the surveyor at the visit.
How long does the visit take?
Typically 20-40 minutes if the boundaries are clear and documents are ready.
Can the survey happen if I'm not in Delhi?
Yes - any family member who knows the plot can be present, with the applicant's documents kept at the property. For NRIs we coordinate the entire visit.
What if my plot shows outside the UC boundary?
Retry the GPS reading from well inside the plot. If it consistently shows outside, get a professional document review before proceeding - the plot may need a different legal route.
Is the GIS survey the last step?
No - after the survey, DDA verifies documents and computes charges, then the file moves to the Conveyance Deed / Authorization Slip stage, which is the actual ownership document.