1. POSTAL INDEX NUMBER(PIN) Postal Index Number is a 6-digits code introduced w.e.f. 15.08.1972. It is the last piece of information in the address.

2. EXAMPLE- PINCODE OF PTC PO 247002- for PTC Sub Post Office 2= One of the eight regions (North India) 24=Sub region (UP state) 247= Revenue district (Saharanpur) 002=code of delivery PO (PTC SO)

3. Advantages of PIN Simplifies sorting Distinguishes places with identical name Eliminates the need for transcription Helps mechanized sorting Increases service efficiency

4. Importance of First Digit First digit Region States Covered 1.NorthernDelhi,Haryana,Himachal Pradesh,J&K,Punjab 2.NorthernUttar Pradesh,Uttranchal 3.WesternGujarat, Rajasthan 4.WesternChhatisgarh,M.P,maharastra 5.SouthernAndhra Pradesh, Karnataka 6.SouthernKerala,Tamilnadu 7.EasternAssam, North Eastern,Orrisa,West Bengal 8.EasternBihar, Jharkhand

5. Importance of First Two digits First Two digit Postal Circle 11 Delhi 12,13 Haryana 14 to 16 Punjab 17 Himachal Pradesh 18,19 Jammu and Kashmir 20 to 28 Uttar Pradesh & Uttaranchal 30 to 34 Rajasthan 36 to 39 Gujarat 40 to 44 Maharashtra

6. Importance of First Two digit First Two digit Postal Circle 45 to 49 Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh 50 To 53 Andhra Pradesh 56 to 59 Karnataka 60 to 64 Tamilnadu 67 to 69 Kerala 70 to 74 West Bengal 75 to 77 Orissa 78 Assam 79 Northern Eastern 80 to 85 Bihar & Jharkhand