Need to send a package but don't know the PIN code? Filling out an online form and stuck at the postal code field? You're not alone. Every day, millions of Indians search for PIN codes for various purposes - from online shopping to government forms, bank applications to courier services.

Finding the correct PIN code is crucial because:

  • Wrong PIN codes delay deliveries by days or weeks
  • Many online forms won't accept incorrect postal codes
  • Banks and government services require accurate PIN codes for verification
  • E-commerce platforms use PIN codes to check delivery serviceability

In this comprehensive guide, we'll show you 5 reliable methods to find any PIN code in India - whether you're looking for your own area, a friend's location, or a business address. All methods are free, official, and updated for 2025.

What is a PIN Code? (Quick Overview)

PIN stands for "Postal Index Number" - a 6-digit code used by India Post to identify specific post office locations across the country. Introduced in 1972, the PIN code system revolutionized mail sorting and delivery in India.

PIN Code Structure

  • First digit: Represents the region (1-8, with 9 for Army Postal Service)
  • Second digit: Indicates the sub-region or state
  • Third digit: Denotes the sorting district
  • Last three digits: Identify the specific post office

Example: PIN code 110001 (Delhi)

  • 1 = North region
  • 1 = Delhi state
  • 0 = New Delhi district
  • 001 = Connaught Place post office

Why PIN Codes Matter

India has over 1,55,000 post offices serving 19,000+ PIN codes. Without this system, sorting and delivering millions of letters daily would be impossible. Today, PIN codes are used beyond postal services - for KYC verification, e-commerce delivery, government schemes, and more.

Learn more about PIN code structure →

Method 1: India Post Official Website (Most Reliable)

The India Post official website is the most accurate source for PIN code information, as it's maintained directly by the postal department.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Visit the Official Website
  2. Choose Your Search Method
    • Search by Post Office Name
    • Search by PIN Code (reverse lookup)
    • Search by Location (City/District)
  3. Enter Your Details
    • Select your State from dropdown
    • Select your District
    • Enter your Area or Post Office name
    • Click "Search"
  4. View Results
    • The system displays matching PIN codes
    • Shows post office name, type (SO/BO/HO), and delivery status
    • You can also see district and state information

✅ Pros:

  • 100% accurate and up-to-date
  • Official government source
  • Free to use
  • Covers all 19,000+ PIN codes

❌ Cons:

  • Website can be slow during peak hours
  • Interface is not very modern
  • Requires knowing at least the district

Best For: When you need guaranteed accuracy for official purposes like bank forms, government applications, or legal documents.

Method 2: Google Search (Fastest Method)

For quick lookups, Google is incredibly efficient and usually accurate.

How to Use

Simply type in Google:

  • "PIN code [Area Name] [City]"
  • "Postal code [Location Name]"
  • "[Area] PIN code"

Examples:

  • "PIN code Connaught Place Delhi"
  • "Postal code Koramangala Bangalore"
  • "Andheri West Mumbai PIN code"

What You'll See

Google displays a knowledge panel with:

  • The 6-digit PIN code
  • Area name
  • District and State
  • Sometimes a map showing the location

Best For: Quick lookups when you need a PIN code immediately and you're in a major city or well-known area.

Method 3: PincodesInfo.in (Most Comprehensive)

PincodesInfo.in is a dedicated PIN code directory with advanced search features and detailed information.

Features

  • 19,000+ PIN codes in database
  • Search by area, district, state, or PIN code
  • Autocomplete search for faster results
  • Mobile-friendly interface
  • Additional information like post office type, delivery status

How to Use

  1. Visit https://pincodesinfo.in
  2. Use the search bar on homepage
  3. Start typing your location name
  4. Select from autocomplete suggestions
  5. View complete details

Best For: When you want additional context like nearby PIN codes or need to explore multiple areas in a district.

Search PIN codes on our homepage →

Method 4: SMS Service (Offline Method)

India Post offers an SMS service to find PIN codes - perfect when you don't have internet access.

How to Use

Send an SMS to 166 or 51969 in this format:

PIN <Space> Post Office Name

Example:

PIN Connaught Place

💡 Pro Tip: When Offline

Save 166 or 51969 in your contacts as "PIN Finder". Next time you're stuck in a remote village with Edge/2G network, just SMS "PIN [Village Name]" and get the code instantly!

Best For: Rural areas with poor internet connectivity or when your data is exhausted.

Method 5: Mobile Apps (On-the-Go Solution)

Several mobile apps provide PIN code search functionality with offline capabilities.

Recommended Apps

1. India Post Mobile App (Official)

  • Available on Android and iOS
  • Find PIN codes, track parcels, book speed post
  • Free and ad-free

2. PIN Code Finder (Third-party)

  • Offline database
  • Fast search
  • Works without internet after initial download

Best For: People who frequently need PIN codes for work (delivery personnel, sales teams, field agents).

Pro Tips for Finding PIN Codes Accurately

  1. Be Specific with Location Names - Use full area names to avoid confusion
  2. Know Your Post Office Type - SO (Sub Office), BO (Branch Office), HO (Head Office)
  3. Verify for Important Transactions - Always double-check for banking or legal forms
  4. Check Delivery Serviceability - Some PIN codes may not have home delivery
  5. Save Frequently Used PIN Codes - Keep a note for quick reference
  6. Update Your Knowledge - New PIN codes are occasionally created

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How many PIN codes are there in India?

As of 2025, India has approximately 19,300 PIN codes covering all states and union territories.

Q2: Can a PIN code change?

Yes, though rare. PIN codes may change when post offices are merged, relocated, or when administrative boundaries are redrawn.

Q3: Is PIN code the same as ZIP code?

No. PIN code is used in India, while ZIP code is used in the United States. Read our detailed comparison →

Q4: What if I enter the wrong PIN code?

Your mail or package will be delayed as it gets routed to the wrong sorting center. Expect significant delays of several days or weeks.

Q5: Do all areas in India have PIN codes?

Yes, every serviceable area in India has a PIN code. However, some extremely remote areas may share PIN codes with nearby locations.

Q6: Can I find PIN code by phone number?

No, phone numbers and PIN codes are not linked. You need to know the address or area name.

Q7: Are PIN codes free to use?

Yes, PIN codes are public information and free to search and use.

Conclusion

Finding PIN codes in India is easier than ever with multiple reliable methods at your disposal. Whether you prefer the official India Post website for guaranteed accuracy, Google for quick searches, dedicated websites like PincodesInfo.in for comprehensive information, SMS services for offline access, or mobile apps for on-the-go convenience - there's a solution for every situation.

For most users, we recommend bookmarking PincodesInfo.in and the India Post website for quick access. Always verify PIN codes for important documents, and don't hesitate to use multiple methods to cross-check.

Need to find a PIN code right now? Use our instant search tool →