NIC (National industrial classification) Code List: Your Business Identity, Government Documents!

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• October 17, 2025 |

NIC (National industrial classification) Code List: Your Business Identity, Government Documents!

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".

 

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:

1. 2 Digits: This is the most comprehensive level, denoting the main industry sector. Examples: Agriculture, manufacturing, or services.
2. 3 Points (Group): It defines a specific group within that broad area.
3. 4 Points (Class): It further narrows down a specific type of activity within the group.
4. 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	13121

 

Why is this so important?

 As a small entrepreneur, you might be wondering why I work so hard? The simple answer is:

1. 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.
2. 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!
3.  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.
4. 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:

• 01 = Crop and Animal Production
• 011 = Growing of Non-Perennial Crops
• 0111 = Growing of Cereals (except Rice)
• 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)

Division	NIC Code	Activity
01	0111–0190	Crop production, farming, horticulture (sugarcane, rice, wheat, vegetables, fruits, etc.)
02	0210–0240	Forestry, logging, timber & wood cutting activities
03	0311–0322	Fishing, aquaculture, fish farms, marine & inland fishing

Example:

• 0111 – Growing of cereals (wheat, rice, etc.)
• 0121 – Growing of grapes, fruits, nuts
• 0141 – Dairy farming, cattle rearing
• 0311 – Marine fishing
• 0321 – Aquaculture (fish farming)

Section B – Mining & Quarrying (NIC Codes 05–09)

Division	NIC Code	Activity
05	0510–0520	Coal mining (bituminous, lignite, etc.)
06	0610–0620	Extraction of crude petroleum and natural gas
07	0710–0720	Mining of metal ores (iron, copper, zinc, etc.)
08	0810–0890	Quarrying of stone, sand, clay, gravel
09	0910–0990	Support services for mining & drilling

Example:

• 0810 – Stone quarrying
• 0891 – Mining of chemical & fertilizer minerals
• 0990 – Support services for oil & gas extraction

Section C – Manufacturing (NIC Codes 10–33)

Division	NIC Code	Activity
10	1010–1090	Food products manufacturing (dairy, meat, bakery, grains, sugar)
11	1101–1104	Beverages manufacturing (soft drinks, alcohol, bottled water)
12	1200	Tobacco products
13	1311–1399	Textiles (cotton, wool, synthetic fabrics)
14	1410–1490	Apparel manufacturing (garments, footwear)
15	1511–1520	Leather & related products
16	1610–1629	Wood products, furniture, carpentry
17	1701–1709	Paper & paper products
18	1811–1820	Printing & recorded media
19	1910–1920	Petroleum refining & coke products
20	2011–2029	Chemicals, fertilizers, pharmaceutical ingredients
21	2100	Pharmaceuticals, medicinal chemicals
22	2211–2220	Rubber & plastic products
23	2310–2399	Cement, glass, ceramics, non-metallic minerals
24	2410–2432	Basic metals (iron, steel, aluminum, copper)
25	2511–2599	Fabricated metal products (tools, tanks, etc.)
26	2610–2699	Computers, electronic & optical products
27	2710–2790	Electrical equipment (motors, transformers, appliances)
28	2811–2899	Machinery & equipment manufacturing
29	2910–3099	Motor vehicles, trailers, parts manufacturing
30	3011–3099	Other transport equipment (ships, aircraft, trains)
31	3100	Furniture manufacturing
32	3211–3299	Jewellery, musical instruments, sports goods
33	3311–3320	Repair & installation of industrial machinery

Example:

• 1071 – Manufacture of bakery products
• 2100 – Manufacture of pharmaceuticals
• 2420 – Steel production
• 3091 – Motorcycle manufacturing
• 3100 – Wooden furniture

 

 

Section D – Electricity, Gas, Steam & Air Conditioning Supply (NIC Code 35)

Division	Group	NIC Code	Activity
35	351	3510	Electric power generation, transmission & distribution
35	352	3520	Manufacture of gas; distribution of gaseous fuels
35	353	3530	Steam & air conditioning supply

 Section E – Water Supply; Sewerage; Waste Management (NIC Codes 36–39)

Division	NIC Code	Activity
36	3600	Water collection, treatment & supply
37	3700	Sewerage
38	3810–3830	Waste collection, treatment & materials recovery
39	3900	Remediation & other waste management services

 Section F – Construction (NIC Codes 41–43)

Division	NIC Code	Activity
41	4100	Construction of buildings (residential / commercial)
42	4210–4290	Civil engineering (roads, bridges, utility projects)
43	4310–4390	Specialized construction (electrical, plumbing, finishing work)

 

 

 

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)

Division	NIC Code	Activity
45	4510–4540	Sale & repair of motor vehicles & motorcycles
46	4610–4690	Wholesale trade (except motor vehicles)
47	4710–4790	Retail trade (except motor vehicles)

 Section H – Transportation & Storage (NIC Codes 49–53)

Division	NIC Code	Activity
49	4910–4940	Land transport (rail, road)
50	5010–5090	Water transport
51	5110–5190	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)

Division	NIC Code	Activity
55	5510–5590	Accommodation (hotels, lodges, camps)
56	5610–5630	Food & beverage service (restaurants, dhabas, catering)

 Section J – Information & Communication (NIC Codes 58–63)

Division	NIC Code	Activity
58	5810–5820	Publishing (books, software, media)
59	5910–5920	Motion picture, video, TV production, sound recording
60	6010–6020	Broadcasting & programming
61	6110–6190	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)

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.

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