Understanding PIN Codes in India: Your Guide to Postal Zones

The Postal Index Number, commonly known as the PIN Code or Pincode, is a fundamental part of the Indian postal system, managed by India Post. Introduced back on August 15, 1972, this 6-digit code was designed to streamline the increasingly complex task of sorting and delivering mail across a vast and diverse country. Before the PIN system, addresses often led to confusion due to similar place names, variations in spelling, multiple languages being used, and incomplete addresses. The PIN code system brought a standardized, numerical method to precisely identify delivery post offices.

Decoding the 6 Digits:

Each digit in the PIN code has a specific meaning, working like a hierarchical address:

1. First Digit (Postal Zone): India is divided into 9 postal zones (8 geographical zones and 1 functional zone for the Army Postal Service). This first digit immediately tells sorters the broad region the mail is headed for.
   • 1: Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Chandigarh
   • 2: Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand
   • 3: Rajasthan, Gujarat, Daman & Diu, Dadra & Nagar Haveli
   • 4: Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa
   • 5: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka
   • 6: Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry, Lakshadweep
   • 7: West Bengal, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Meghalaya, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Assam, Sikkim
   • 8: Bihar, Jharkhand
   • 9: Army Postal Service (APS), Field Post Office (FPO)
2. Second Digit (Sub-Zone): Within each main zone, the second digit defines a specific sub-zone or postal circle (often corresponding to a state or part of a large state).
3. Third Digit (Sorting District): This digit narrows it down further to a specific sorting district within the sub-zone/circle. Mail addressed to post offices within this district is routed to a central sorting office for that district.
4. Last Three Digits (Delivery Post Office): These final digits pinpoint the exact delivery post office within the sorting district. Each post office (Head Office – H.O., Sub Office – S.O., or Branch Office – B.O.) is assigned a unique number here.

Why Use This Tool?

Using the correct PIN code is vital for ensuring your mail, packages, or online orders reach their destination quickly and accurately. Incorrect or missing PIN codes are a major cause of delivery delays or misrouting.

This search tool allows you to:

• Find the PIN Code: Enter the State, District, Location/City, and optionally the specific Post Office name to find the corresponding 6-digit PIN code(s).
• Find Location Details: Enter a known 6-digit PIN code to see the associated Post Office(s), Location/City, District, and State.

It’s a helpful resource whether you’re sending personal mail, running a business that ships goods, or simply need to verify address details. While the data is based on official records, occasional discrepancies might occur due to new post offices opening or administrative changes. If you spot any incorrect information using this tool, please use the feedback form provided to help maintain accuracy.