Postal Index Number (PIN or PIN code) is the 6-digit post office numbering system used by India Post, covering circles, regions, divisions and individual offices across every state and union territory. This directory is synced from India Post’s official records via data.gov.in, refreshed twice a month.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a PIN code (Postal Index Number)?
PIN stands for Postal Index Number - a 6-digit code India Post assigns to every post office, introduced in 1972 to sort and route mail without relying on handwritten place names alone.
What do the 6 digits of a PIN code mean?
The first digit marks one of 9 postal zones (regions) covering India. The first two digits together identify the sub-region/postal circle, the first three identify the sorting/revenue district within that zone, and the last three digits identify the individual post office.
How do I find the PIN code of a post office or area?
Use the locator above: pick a State, then a District, then optionally the first letter of the post office name, and click Locate. Or type a PIN code, office name or district directly into the search box - it detects a 6-digit PIN automatically.
Can one PIN code cover more than one post office?
Yes - a single 6-digit PIN code is often shared by a main post office and several smaller branch offices serving the surrounding area, which is why search results can list multiple offices under the same code.
What do HO, PO and BO mean for a post office?
They mark the office's place in India Post's hierarchy, from largest to smallest: HO (Head Office) - the main office for a district; PO (Sub Post Office) - a mid-sized office; BO (Branch Office) - a smaller office typically serving a rural or local area.
What does "Delivery" vs "Non Delivery" mean?
A "Delivery" office delivers mail directly to addresses in its area; a "Non Delivery" office only handles mail for pickup or onward sorting and doesn't run its own delivery rounds.
Where does this PIN code data come from and how current is it?
From India Post's official 'All India Pincode Directory', published via the Government of India's data.gov.in open data portal, covering all circles, regions, divisions and offices nationwide. It's re-synced twice a month to stay current with India Post's own updates.