PIN Code / Postal Codes


The PIN code stands as a cornerstone of India's postal infrastructure. Established in 1972, the postal code facilitates efficient mail delivery across the country's vast and diverse geography. Each digit within the code holds specific geographic significance, ranging from regional identification to individual post office designation. This structured approach ensures accurate and timely delivery, regardless of linguistic variations or similar-sounding town names.

PIN Code (Postal Index Number)

The PIN code in India, also known as the Postal Index Number (PIN), is a 6-digit code used by India Post to streamline mail delivery across the vast and diverse country. It was introduced in India on August 15, 1972, and has become an essential part of the postal infrastructure. The PIN code serves as a crucial element in online transactions and address verification.

State Wise PIN Code List

The State Wise PIN Code List provides a comprehensive compilation of Postal Index Numbers (PIN codes) categorized by Indian states. This resource serves as a valuable reference for identifying the specific PIN code associated with various regions, localities, and post offices across the country.

Andaman & Nicobar Islands Andhra Pradesh Arunachal Pradesh
Assam Bihar Chandigarh
Chhattisgarh Dadra & Nagar Haveli Daman & Diu
Delhi Goa Gujarat
Haryana Himachal Pradesh Jammu & Kashmir

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Structure of PIN Code (Postal Index Number)

A PIN code consists of six digits and is structured as follows: the first digit represents the geographical region, the second digit indicates the sub-region, the third digit shows the sorting district and the last three digits signify the specific post office in the district.

For example, in the PIN code 110001:

Pincode Structure - Postal Index Number
  • The first digit, 1, represents the northern region.
  • The second digit, 1, indicates the Delhi sub-region.
  • The third digit, 0, represents the New Delhi sorting district.
  • The last three digits, 001, identify the specific post office in Connaught Place in Central Delhi.

Postal Zones in India

The first digit of the PIN code indicates the zone in India. It is divided into nine PIN regions, out of which eight correspond to geographical regions, while the digit 9 is specifically designated for the Army Postal Service.

PIN Code Digits Zone
1 Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Haryana, Punjab, Delhi
2 Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand
3 Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu, Rajasthan, Gujarat
4 Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Goa
5 Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka

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State Wise PIN Code Structure

Here is the structure of state-wise PIN Code:

PIN Prefix Region ISO 3166-2:IN
11 Delhi DL
12 -13 Haryana HR
14 - 15 Punjab PB
16 Chandigarh CH
17 Himachal Pradesh HP

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How many PIN codes exist in India?

There are a total of 19,101 PIN codes in India. These PIN codes cover various regions and post offices, assisting in the process of locating addresses.

Importance & Applications of PIN Code

The PIN code (Postal Index Number) serves several important purposes and has various applications. Some of its key importance and applications include:

  • Mail Sorting: PIN codes are crucial for the efficient sorting and routing of mail within postal systems. They help in accurately directing mail to the correct geographical location, thus reducing delivery errors and delays.
  • Delivery Accuracy: By using PIN codes, postal services can ensure that mail and packages are delivered to the intended recipients with greater precision, enhancing overall delivery accuracy.
  • Availing Loans: The PIN code is also utilized in the loan application process for business loans and personal loans, as it assists lenders in verifying the location and address of the loan applicants.
  • Online Transactions: PIN codes are often used as part of address verification systems for online transactions, helping to confirm the authenticity of the recipient's address and preventing delivery issues.
  • Government Services: PIN codes are used in various government-related services, such as census data collection, voter registration, and distribution of government documents, to ensure accurate identification of locations and residents.
  • Business Operations: Many businesses rely on PIN codes for logistics and supply chain management, as well as for customer address verification and efficient delivery of goods and services.

How to Find the PIN Code For Your Location

To find the PIN code for your location, you can utilize various methods such as online databases, postal service websites, or by contacting the nearest post office. Here are the steps to find the PIN code for your location online:

  1. Visit the official website of the postal PIN Code tool: https://www.indiapost.gov.in/VAS/Pages/findpincode.aspx
  2. Select the State/ Union Territory from the dropdown list.
  3. Select the City/ District from the dropdown list (or) Enter the Post Office Name.
  4. Enter the Captcha and Click on “Search”.
  5. The PIN Code will be displayed for the corresponding location.

Pin Codes Vs Zip Codes

‘PIN code’ and ‘ZIP code’ refer to postal codes used to identify specific geographic areas for efficient mail delivery. However, there are some differences in terminology and usage based on the country. In India, ‘PIN code’ is used, while in the United States, ‘ZIP code’ is the more commonly used term.

Let’s go through the difference between PIN Code & ZIP Code from the table below:

Criteria PIN Code ZIP Code
Full Form Postal Index Number Zone Improvement Plan
Country Commonly used in India Commonly used in the United States
Purpose To facilitate mail delivery in India To facilitate mail delivery in the United States
Format Typically a six-digit code Typically a five-digit code
(may have optional extra four digits for more precision)
Composition Consists of only numbers Consists of numbers and letters
Introduced In It was introduced in 1972 It was introduced in 1963

Types of Postal Services in India

In India, the postal system offers a diverse range of services to cater to the communication, financial, and administrative needs of the public. Here are the different types of postal services available in India:

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  1. Mail Services: India Post provides mail facilities, offering services such as mail insurance, and sending and registering mail for security purposes.
  2. Financial Services:
    The postal department offers various financial services, offering different post office saving schemes for general public, women, children, and senior citizens. POMIS, Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP), National Savings Certificates (NSC), money order facilities, fixed deposit accounts are the schemes & services to name a few. These services provide higher interest rates compared to those offered by traditional banking institutions.
  3. Allied Postal Services: India Post provides Aadhar card assistance, passport application services, international money transfers, direct posts for advertising, e-bill Posts for electronic bill payments, Media Posts for product endorsement, Speed Posts for expedited mail delivery, and Greeting Post for special occasion greetings.
  4. Are you looking for a personal loan?

    • How India’s PIN Code Works
    • Dfference between Zip Code & PIN Code

    Frequently Asked Questions

    PIN stands for Postal Index Number.

    The first digit represents the region in India. The second digit is the sub-region, while the third digit is the sorting district. The last three digits represent the particular post office within the district.

    You can find your PIN code from the detailed Central PIN Code List or State Wise PinCode Lists provided here. You can also visit the Post Office official website to locate your PIN code

    The last three digits represent the particular post office within the district.

    Yes, the PIN code and zip code are the same.

    The six-digit PIN code indicates regions such as zone, sub-zone, state, and district.

    India has separate zip codes for different states.

    A Zip Code has six digits.

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