Introduction
Just imagine, you've woven a brilliant business plan into your mind. Everything is set up – the merchandise is ready, the website is ready, and now you're ready for the government paperwork. You fill out a form and there is a small column waiting for you: "NIC Code (National industrial classification)".
What is this? Is it so important that without it your business will not be registered?
Yes! In the world of business, this 'NIC Code' is not just a bundle of numbers; This is the official identity of your enterprise. Just like every human being has a name, every business has a special NIC code. Whether you're opening a small café, starting a software company, or making handicrafts at home—the government should know exactly what you're doing!
In today's comprehensive article, we'll not only explain to you the intricacies of the NIC Code List in simple language but also how to choose the right code for MSME, GST, or company registration in 2025.
What is NIC Code?
Not just code, it's the foundation of your industry!
The full name of NIC is National Industrial Classification. It is a standard system set by the Government of India that is used to systematically classify all economic activities of the country.
Think of it this way, if the government wants to know how many people are doing the business of 'hotels and restaurants' in the country, or how many companies are engaged in 'textile manufacturing', then it takes the help of this code.
The code system is based on the United Nations (UN)'s International Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC), which has been adapted to Indian needs.
NIC Code List 2008 is the newest and prevalent version currently used in India. Earlier, the 2004 and 1998 editions were also in use, but now NIC 2008 is preferred in all government forms and registrations.
Understanding NIC Codes in India: 2 to 5 Digit Structure Explained
A NIC code works in a 5-digit structure, although it is often used at the 2, 3, 4, or 5-digit level:
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2 Digits: This is the most comprehensive level, denoting the main industry sector. Examples: Agriculture, manufacturing, or services.
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3 Points (Group): It defines a specific group within that broad area.
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4 Points (Class): It further narrows down a specific type of activity within the group.
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5 Points (Sub-Class): This is the most detailed and accurate level, reflecting the precise nature of your business.
For example:
|
standard
|
numerical figure
|
(Description)
|
code
|
|
Division
|
2
|
Manufacture of textiles
|
13
|
|
Group
|
3
|
Spinning, weaving and finishing of textile
|
131
|
|
Class
|
4
|
Weaving of textiles
|
1312
|
|
Sub-Class
|
5
|
Weaving of cotton textiles
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13121
|
Why is this so important?
As a small entrepreneur, you might be wondering why I work so hard? The simple answer is:
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Government Registration: Whether you are applying for an Udyam (MSME), taking GST, or registering a company, you must provide a NIC Code. This is an essential part of your form.
-
Government Benefits and Schemes: The government brings schemes to promote several sectors (such as tax exemptions under the 'PLI Scheme', or 'Startup India'). These benefits directly depend on your NIC Code. Incorrect code means deprived of benefits!
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Data Collection: This code helps the government to collect economic data. It is on this basis that policy decisions are taken, budgets are allocated, and it is decided which sector needs more support.
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Bank Loans: Many banks ask for the exact classification of your business in loan applications, which is taken directly from the NIC code.
NIC-Code 2008 Structure
In NIC 2008, economic activities are divided into 21 Sections (A to U).
Each section is further classified with codes ranging from 2-digit to 5-digit — the more digits, the greater the level of detail.
Example:
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01 = Crop and Animal Production
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011 = Growing of Non-Perennial Crops
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0111 = Growing of Cereals (except Rice)
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01111 = Wheat Cultivation
Complete NIC 2008 Code List – Section-wise Classification of All Economic Activities in India
Section A – Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing (NIC Codes 01–03)
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Division
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NIC Code
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Activity
|
|
01
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0111–0190
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Crop production, farming, horticulture (sugarcane, rice, wheat, vegetables, fruits, etc.)
|
|
02
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0210–0240
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Forestry, logging, timber & wood cutting activities
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|
03
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0311–0322
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Fishing, aquaculture, fish farms, marine & inland fishing
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Example:
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0111 – Growing of cereals (wheat, rice, etc.)
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0121 – Growing of grapes, fruits, nuts
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0141 – Dairy farming, cattle rearing
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0311 – Marine fishing
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0321 – Aquaculture (fish farming)
Section B – Mining & Quarrying (NIC Codes 05–09)
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Division
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NIC Code
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Activity
|
|
05
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0510–0520
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Coal mining (bituminous, lignite, etc.)
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|
06
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0610–0620
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Extraction of crude petroleum and natural gas
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|
07
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0710–0720
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Mining of metal ores (iron, copper, zinc, etc.)
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|
08
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0810–0890
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Quarrying of stone, sand, clay, gravel
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09
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0910–0990
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Support services for mining & drilling
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Example:
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0810 – Stone quarrying
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0891 – Mining of chemical & fertilizer minerals
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0990 – Support services for oil & gas extraction
Section C – Manufacturing (NIC Codes 10–33)
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Division
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NIC Code
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Activity
|
|
10
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1010–1090
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Food products manufacturing (dairy, meat, bakery, grains, sugar)
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|
11
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1101–1104
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Beverages manufacturing (soft drinks, alcohol, bottled water)
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|
12
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1200
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Tobacco products
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|
13
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1311–1399
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Textiles (cotton, wool, synthetic fabrics)
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|
14
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1410–1490
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Apparel manufacturing (garments, footwear)
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|
15
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1511–1520
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Leather & related products
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|
16
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1610–1629
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Wood products, furniture, carpentry
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|
17
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1701–1709
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Paper & paper products
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|
18
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1811–1820
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Printing & recorded media
|
|
19
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1910–1920
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Petroleum refining & coke products
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|
20
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2011–2029
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Chemicals, fertilizers, pharmaceutical ingredients
|
|
21
|
2100
|
Pharmaceuticals, medicinal chemicals
|
|
22
|
2211–2220
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Rubber & plastic products
|
|
23
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2310–2399
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Cement, glass, ceramics, non-metallic minerals
|
|
24
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2410–2432
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Basic metals (iron, steel, aluminum, copper)
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|
25
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2511–2599
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Fabricated metal products (tools, tanks, etc.)
|
|
26
|
2610–2699
|
Computers, electronic & optical products
|
|
27
|
2710–2790
|
Electrical equipment (motors, transformers, appliances)
|
|
28
|
2811–2899
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Machinery & equipment manufacturing
|
|
29
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2910–3099
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Motor vehicles, trailers, parts manufacturing
|
|
30
|
3011–3099
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Other transport equipment (ships, aircraft, trains)
|
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31
|
3100
|
Furniture manufacturing
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|
32
|
3211–3299
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Jewellery, musical instruments, sports goods
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33
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3311–3320
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Repair & installation of industrial machinery
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Example:
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1071 – Manufacture of bakery products
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2100 – Manufacture of pharmaceuticals
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2420 – Steel production
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3091 – Motorcycle manufacturing
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3100 – Wooden furniture
Section D – Electricity, Gas, Steam & Air Conditioning Supply (NIC Code 35)
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Division
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Group
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NIC Code
|
Activity
|
|
35
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351
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3510
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Electric power generation, transmission & distribution
|
|
35
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352
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3520
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Manufacture of gas; distribution of gaseous fuels
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|
35
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353
|
3530
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Steam & air conditioning supply
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Section E – Water Supply; Sewerage; Waste Management (NIC Codes 36–39)
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Division
|
NIC Code
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Activity
|
|
36
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3600
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Water collection, treatment & supply
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|
37
|
3700
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Sewerage
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38
|
3810–3830
|
Waste collection, treatment & materials recovery
|
|
39
|
3900
|
Remediation & other waste management services
|
Section F – Construction (NIC Codes 41–43)
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Division
|
NIC Code
|
Activity
|
|
41
|
4100
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Construction of buildings (residential / commercial)
|
|
42
|
4210–4290
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Civil engineering (roads, bridges, utility projects)
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|
43
|
4310–4390
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Specialized construction (electrical, plumbing, finishing work)
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NIC Codes for Services:
The National Industrial Classification (NIC 2008) assigns unique codes to all service-based economic activities, covering trade, transportation, accommodation, finance, professional services, education, healthcare, entertainment, and more. These codes help in business registration, GST filing, MSME registration, and official statistical reporting.
Section G – Wholesale & Retail Trade; Repair of Motor Vehicles (NIC Codes 45–47)
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Division
|
NIC Code
|
Activity
|
|
45
|
4510–4540
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Sale & repair of motor vehicles & motorcycles
|
|
46
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4610–4690
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Wholesale trade (except motor vehicles)
|
|
47
|
4710–4790
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Retail trade (except motor vehicles)
|
Section H – Transportation & Storage (NIC Codes 49–53)
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Division
|
NIC Code
|
Activity
|
|
49
|
4910–4940
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Land transport (rail, road)
|
|
50
|
5010–5090
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Water transport
|
|
51
|
5110–5190
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Air transport
|
|
52
|
5210–5290
|
Warehousing & support activities for transport
|
|
53
|
5310–5320
|
Postal & courier activities
|
Section I – Accommodation & Food Service (NIC Codes 55–56)
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Division
|
NIC Code
|
Activity
|
|
55
|
5510–5590
|
Accommodation (hotels, lodges, camps)
|
|
56
|
5610–5630
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Food & beverage service (restaurants, dhabas, catering)
|
Section J – Information & Communication (NIC Codes 58–63)
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Division
|
NIC Code
|
Activity
|
|
58
|
5810–5820
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Publishing (books, software, media)
|
|
59
|
5910–5920
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Motion picture, video, TV production, sound recording
|
|
60
|
6010–6020
|
Broadcasting & programming
|
|
61
|
6110–6190
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Telecommunications
|
|
62
|
6201–6209
|
Computer programming, consultancy & IT services
|
|
63
|
6310–6399
|
Information service activities (web portals, data processing)
|
Section K – Financial & Insurance Activities (NIC Codes 64–66)
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Division
|
NIC Code
|
Activity
|
|
64
|
6410–6499
|
Financial services (except insurance)
|
|
65
|
6510–6550
|
Insurance, reinsurance, pension funding
|
|
66
|
6610–6690
|
Auxiliary to financial & insurance (brokers, agents)
|
Section L – Real Estate Activities (NIC Code 68)
|
Division
|
NIC Code
|
Activity
|
|
68
|
6810–6820
|
Real estate (buying, selling, renting)
|
Section M – Professional, Scientific & Technical (NIC Codes 69–75)
|
Division
|
NIC Code
|
Activity
|
|
69
|
6910–6920
|
Legal & accounting
|
|
70
|
7010–7020
|
Management consultancy
|
|
71
|
7110–7120
|
Architecture & engineering; technical testing
|
|
72
|
7210–7290
|
Scientific research & development
|
|
73
|
7310–7320
|
Advertising & market research
|
|
74
|
7410–7490
|
Other professional & technical services
|
|
75
|
7500
|
Veterinary activities
|
Section N – Administrative & Support Services (NIC Codes 77–82)
|
Division
|
NIC Code
|
Activity
|
|
77
|
7710–7790
|
Rental & leasing
|
|
78
|
7810–7830
|
Employment / staffing agencies
|
|
79
|
7910–7990
|
Travel agencies, tour operators
|
|
80
|
8010–8090
|
Security & investigation
|
|
81
|
8110–8130
|
Cleaning & landscaping
|
|
82
|
8210–8299
|
Office administrative & business support
|
Section O – Public Administration & Defence (NIC Code 84)
|
Division
|
NIC Code
|
Activity
|
|
84
|
8411–8430
|
Government administration, defence & social security
|
Section P – Education (NIC Code 85)
|
Division
|
NIC Code
|
Activity
|
|
85
|
8510–8550
|
Education (schools, colleges, coaching, vocational)
|
Section Q – Human Health & Social Work (NIC Codes 86–88)
|
Division
|
NIC Code
|
Activity
|
|
86
|
8610–8690
|
Human health (hospitals, clinics)
|
|
87
|
8710–8730
|
Residential care (old age homes, rehab)
|
|
88
|
8810–8890
|
Social work (NGOs, welfare orgs)
|
Section R – Arts, Entertainment & Recreation (NIC Codes 90–93)
|
Division
|
NIC Code
|
Activity
|
|
90
|
9000
|
Creative, arts & entertainment
|
|
91
|
9100
|
Libraries, museums, cultural
|
|
92
|
9200
|
Gambling & betting
|
|
93
|
9310–9390
|
Sports & recreation
|
Section S – Other Service Activities (NIC Codes 94–96)
|
Division
|
NIC Code
|
Activity
|
|
94
|
9410–9490
|
Membership organisations (trade unions, associations)
|
|
95
|
9510–9520
|
Repair of computers & personal goods
|
|
96
|
9601–9609
|
Other personal services (beauty parlours, salons, etc.)
|
Section T – Activities of Households as Employers (NIC Codes 97–98)
|
Division
|
NIC Code
|
Activity
|
|
97
|
9700
|
Domestic workers employed by households
|
|
98
|
9810–9820
|
Undifferentiated goods & services producing by households
|
Section U – Activities of Extraterritorial Organisations (NIC Code 99)
|
Division
|
NIC Code
|
Activity
|
|
99
|
9900
|
Activities of foreign missions, embassies, UN & international organisations
|
How to Find the Right NIC Code: A Step-by-Step Process
This part often confuses people. There are thousands of options throughout the NIC Code List. Here's a humane, step-by-step process to make it simple:
Step 1: Identify Your Core Activity
Ask yourself: "What does my business really do?"
-
Example: You run an online coaching class. Your main activity is 'Education' under 'Services'.
-
Example: You make and sell handmade soap. Your main activity is 'manufacturing of other chemical products' under 'Manufacturing'.
Step 2: Identify the Broad Division (2-Digit Code)
First, look for the 2-digit 'Division' in the complete NIC Code List (which is easily available on government websites).
-
'Manufacturing' is usually between 10 and 33.
-
'Education' usually falls under P (85).
-
'Information and Communication' (IT) usually falls under J (61-63).
Step 3: Narrow Down to Group and Class (3 & 4-Digit Codes)
When you find the 2-digit code, look at its sub-lists. The 3-digit and 4-digit codes will bring you closer to your industry.
-
If you have selected Education (Division P/85), go to 854 (Other Education).
Step 4: Find the Precise 5-Digit Sub-Class)
Now this is the most important step. The 5-digit code will tell you your exact activity.
-
If you are giving online tutoring, you can select '85499 – Other Education Activities Unclassified Elsewhere' or a similar code.
-
If you are doing software publishing, then '62019 – Other Customer Application Software Development' may be suitable for you.
Pro tip: If you do more than one job, away keep the code that brings you the most revenue or the most time. In an MSME Udyam, you can also add more than one code.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Choosing your code from the correct NIC Code List may seem like a small thing, but one wrong code can lead to major legal or tax complications in the future.
-
Choosing General Codes: Many people deliberately choose common codes like 'Others' or 'Not Elsewhere Classified (NEC)' for ease. Don't do that. This blurs your business and can deprive you of government benefits.
-
Use the old list: Make sure you're using the NIC Code List 2008. The 2004 or 1998 code is no longer valid.
-
Enter the code of trading only: If you are both a manufacturer and a trader, always give preference to the 'Manufacturing' code, as the manufacturing sector often gets more incentives from the government.
-
Leaving the last digit: The code often contains 5 digits, even if your business activity is completing at 4 digits. Make sure you use the 5-digit code only (e.g., if the 4-digit code is 1312, then use 13120 for the 5-digit if there is no special subclass).
Popular NIC Codes by Business Type
Here are some of the most commonly used 5-digit codes, which can be a starting point for you:
|
Type of Business (Use Case)
|
NIC 2008 Code
|
(Division/Activity)
|
|
IT Consultancy/Software
|
62029
|
Other Information Technology and Computer Services Activities
|
|
Clothing Shop/Retail Trade
|
47711
|
Retail Trade of Readymade Clothes
|
|
Restaurant/Cafe
|
56101
|
Restaurant and Catering Services
|
|
Website/Digital Marketing
|
62090
|
Other Information Technology and Computer Services Activities (OR 63110: Data Processing, Hosting)
|
|
Grocery Store
|
47111
|
Retail Trade in Grocery and General Stores
|
|
Homemade Handicrafts/MSME
|
32909
|
Other manufacturing unclassified elsewhere
|
|
Online Education/Tutoring
|
85499
|
Other education activities not classified elsewhere
|
Conclusion and Call-to-Action
We saw that the NIC Code List is not just a government formality; This is the official language of your business. It decides which field you belong to, and what benefits you can get in the future. The mistake of ignoring a small code can do big damage!
So, whether you're doing your Udyam Registration today, or checking your GST details, once again ensure that your NIC Code is absolutely accurate.
Ensure your NIC Code is accurately selected and take advantage of the trusted services of LegalDev.in and GSTRegistration.co for assistance with business filing and compliance.
