{"id":17080,"date":"2026-07-14T18:42:53","date_gmt":"2026-07-14T13:12:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fast2sms.com\/help\/dlt-variable-tagging\/"},"modified":"2026-07-14T19:14:17","modified_gmt":"2026-07-14T13:44:17","slug":"dlt-variable-tagging","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fast2sms.com\/help\/dlt-variable-tagging\/","title":{"rendered":"DLT Variable Tagging Explained: Every Tag, Rule and Sample Template"},"content":{"rendered":"

DLT templates used to treat every variable the same. A {#var#}<\/code> could carry a name, an amount, or a link, and the operator had no way to tell. Under TRAI’s new direction, that changes: every variable in an SMS template must now be tagged with its data type. This page is the complete reference: all six tags, their validation rules, and ready sample templates for each one.<\/p>\n

The 6 variable tags at a glance<\/h2>\n
\n \"Cheat
Save this. Every new template must build its variables from these six tags.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On some operator portals the same tags appear in short form: {#num#}, {#alp#}, {#urg#} for url, {#uro#} for urlott, {#cbn#} and {#eml#}. Same rules, shorter names.<\/p>\n

What changed, in one picture<\/h2>\n
\n \"DLT
Static text stays identical. Only the variable placeholders change to typed tags.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The point of the change is anti-spam: a variable tagged {#numeric#} can never smuggle in a link, and a {#url#} variable only delivers if the link matches a CTA you registered. Misuse of open placeholders was how bad actors slipped scam links into approved templates. Typed variables close that door.<\/p>\n

Each tag with rules and sample templates<\/h2>\n

{#numeric#} \u2014 digits only, max 40<\/h3>\n

For OTPs, amounts, quantities. Digits 0 to 9 only, no alphabets, no special characters.<\/p>\n

\n

{#numeric#}<\/span> is your OTP for BRAND. Valid for 10 minutes. Do not share it with anyone. – BRAND<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

Dear customer, we have received your payment of Rs {#numeric#}<\/span>. Thank you for shopping with BRAND. – BRAND<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

{#alphanumeric#} \u2014 letters and numbers, max 40<\/h3>\n

For order IDs, booking references, names, addresses. Cannot start with www, http or https, so it can never hide a link. This is the only tag allowed back-to-back without static text between variables, and more than three consecutive ones need a written justification.<\/p>\n

\n

Dear {#alphanumeric#}<\/span>, your order {#alphanumeric#}<\/span> has been placed successfully. We will update you when it ships. – BRAND<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

Your service request {#alphanumeric#}<\/span> is assigned. Our engineer will visit on {#alphanumeric#}<\/span>. – BRAND<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

{#url#} \u2014 web links, max 120<\/h3>\n

For tracking pages and portals. The link sent must match a CTA registered against the template as a Static, Dynamic or Short URL. Register the CTA first, then the template.<\/p>\n

\n

Good news! Your BRAND order {#alphanumeric#}<\/span> is out for delivery. Track it live: {#url#}<\/span> – BRAND<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

Your invoice for order {#alphanumeric#}<\/span> is ready. Download here: {#url#}<\/span> – BRAND<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

{#urlott#} \u2014 OTT and app links, max 120<\/h3>\n

For WhatsApp links and app download links. Must match a CTA registered under OTT or APK.<\/p>\n

\n

Chat with BRAND support on WhatsApp: {#urlott#}<\/span> – BRAND<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

Manage your account on the go. Download the BRAND app: {#urlott#}<\/span> – BRAND<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

{#cbn#} \u2014 callback numbers, 3 to 14 characters<\/h3>\n

For support and callback numbers. Must match a CTA registered under Number (mobile, landline or toll-free). If you show a country code like +91, the code goes in the static text, not inside the variable.<\/p>\n

\n

Your BRAND appointment is confirmed for {#alphanumeric#}<\/span>. To reschedule, call {#cbn#}<\/span>. – BRAND<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

Delivery attempted for order {#alphanumeric#}<\/span>. Call {#cbn#}<\/span> to arrange redelivery. – BRAND<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

{#email#} \u2014 email addresses, max 40<\/h3>\n

For support email addresses. The value must be a valid email format.<\/p>\n

\n

Thanks for contacting BRAND. Your ticket {#alphanumeric#}<\/span> is open. For updates, write to {#email#}<\/span>. – BRAND<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

The rules people miss<\/h2>\n