Basically, PIN stands for Postal Index Number. It is a sort of numeric encryption allocated to the post offices. The Indian Postal System uses these numbers in the postal code system. It helps in matching the particular locality where a letter or a consignment is to be delivered.
If we go by the pages of history, we will see that Pin Code system was started on 15 August 1972 by Shriram Bhikaji Velankar, Additional secretary in the union ministry of communication. It was introduced to simplify the manual sorting and delivery of mails by removing mix-up over wrong addresses, similar place names and different languages used by the people in the country.
For better management, 9 PIN zones have been made in India. It further contains eight regional zones and one functional zone for the Indian Army.
Important Fact: Today, there are 1.54 lakhs post offices in India.
Pin Code precisely comprise of six digits. The first digit indicates the region. The second digit shows the sub-region and the third digit indicates the sorting district within the region. The last three digits are allotted to individual post office. Out of the last 3 digits, last two digits represent the delivery office within the sorting district starting from 01 which would be the GPO (General Post Office) or HO (Head Office) or SO (Sub Office).
The PIN represents a specific geographical region which is called a sorting district. It is
headquartered at the main post office of the largest city. The office is also known as the sorting office. The fourth digit represents the route on which a delivery office is located in the sorting district. 0 is for office in the core area of sorting district. The state-wise PIN code list is also available on the web.
Today, it has become much easier to locate your nearby post office. There are web portals where you can browse and search barrackpore pin code of any state or city of India. The process is very easy where you can make a search according to your location, address or pin code. You will get a huge Pin Code Directory of India where you can hit the drop down button and a list of states and union territories will open. You will then be asked to select the city, followed by locality. Once you click the search button, the details of post office and Pin Code will come up.