Indian Compliance
NIC Code List 2026: How to Find Your 2-Digit and 5-Digit NIC Code for Udyam/MSME Registration
An NIC code is the National Industrial Classification number that identifies your business activity. NIC 2008 uses a 5-digit hierarchy – a 2-digit division, 3-digit group, 4-digit class and 5-digit sub-class – and is required for Udyam (MSME) registration, company incorporation (SPICe+), statistical returns and many licence applications. The Udyam portal accepts only the full 5-digit code, and you can list several activities. Use the 2-digit table below to find your section, then drill down to the 5-digit code.
[IMAGE PLACEHOLDER – Infographic: NIC 2008 structure – Section → Division → Group → Class → Sub-class (example 27501)]
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What is an NIC code?
The National Industrial Classification (NIC) is issued by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) and is aligned with the UN's ISIC Rev. 4. The current edition is NIC 2008. It sorts every economic activity into 21 sections (A–U), 88 divisions, 238 groups, 403 classes and about 1,300 sub-classes. The code tells the government what your business does so that policies, subsidies and statistics can be applied correctly.
Structure of an NIC code (with example)
| Level | Digits | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section | Letter | C | Manufacturing |
| Division | 2 | 27 | Manufacture of electrical equipment |
| Group | 3 | 275 | Manufacture of domestic appliances |
| Class | 4 | 2750 | Manufacture of domestic appliances |
| Sub-class | 5 | 27501 | Manufacture of electric domestic appliances (fans, heaters, mixers) |
Where is the NIC code used?
- Udyam / MSME registration – mandatory field; determines whether you are classed as manufacturing or services.
- Company / LLP incorporation (SPICe+, FiLLiP) – main division of industrial activity.
- Import Export Code (IEC), ICEGATE, DGFT and Export Promotion Council registrations.
- Factory licence, pollution consents (CTE/CTO) and state industrial-policy incentives.
- Bank loans under CGTMSE/PMEGP, tender eligibility, government schemes such as ZED and PLI.
NIC 2-digit code list (all divisions)
Section A – Agriculture, forestry and fishing
| 01 | Crop and animal production, hunting and related service activities |
| 02 | Forestry and logging |
| 03 | Fishing and aquaculture |
Section B – Mining and quarrying
| 05 | Mining of coal and lignite |
| 06 | Extraction of crude petroleum and natural gas |
| 07 | Mining of metal ores |
| 08 | Other mining and quarrying |
| 09 | Mining support service activities |
Section C – Manufacturing
| 10 | Manufacture of food products |
| 11 | Manufacture of beverages |
| 12 | Manufacture of tobacco products |
| 13 | Manufacture of textiles |
| 14 | Manufacture of wearing apparel |
| 15 | Manufacture of leather and related products |
| 16 | Manufacture of wood and products of wood and cork (except furniture) |
| 17 | Manufacture of paper and paper products |
| 18 | Printing and reproduction of recorded media |
| 19 | Manufacture of coke and refined petroleum products |
| 20 | Manufacture of chemicals and chemical products |
| 21 | Manufacture of pharmaceuticals, medicinal chemical and botanical products |
| 22 | Manufacture of rubber and plastics products |
| 23 | Manufacture of other non-metallic mineral products (cement, glass, ceramics) |
| 24 | Manufacture of basic metals |
| 25 | Manufacture of fabricated metal products (except machinery) |
| 26 | Manufacture of computer, electronic and optical products |
| 27 | Manufacture of electrical equipment |
| 28 | Manufacture of machinery and equipment n.e.c. |
| 29 | Manufacture of motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers |
| 30 | Manufacture of other transport equipment |
| 31 | Manufacture of furniture |
| 32 | Other manufacturing (jewellery, toys, sports goods, medical instruments) |
| 33 | Repair and installation of machinery and equipment |
Section D & E – Utilities
| 35 | Electricity, gas, steam and air-conditioning supply |
| 36 | Water collection, treatment and supply |
| 37 | Sewerage |
| 38 | Waste collection, treatment and disposal; materials recovery |
| 39 | Remediation and other waste-management services |
Section F – Construction
| 41 | Construction of buildings |
| 42 | Civil engineering |
| 43 | Specialised construction activities |
Section G – Wholesale and retail trade
| 45 | Wholesale and retail trade and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles |
| 46 | Wholesale trade (except motor vehicles) |
| 47 | Retail trade (except motor vehicles) |
Section H – Transportation and storage
| 49 | Land transport and transport via pipelines |
| 50 | Water transport |
| 51 | Air transport |
| 52 | Warehousing and support activities for transportation |
| 53 | Postal and courier activities |
Section I – Accommodation and food service
| 55 | Accommodation |
| 56 | Food and beverage service activities |
Section J – Information and communication
| 58 | Publishing activities |
| 59 | Motion picture, video, television programme, sound recording and music publishing |
| 60 | Broadcasting and programming activities |
| 61 | Telecommunications |
| 62 | Computer programming, consultancy and related activities |
| 63 | Information service activities |
Section K – Financial and insurance activities
| 64 | Financial service activities (except insurance and pension) |
| 65 | Insurance, reinsurance and pension funding |
| 66 | Activities auxiliary to financial services and insurance |
Section L to N – Real estate, professional and support services
| 68 | Real estate activities |
| 69 | Legal and accounting activities |
| 70 | Activities of head offices; management consultancy |
| 71 | Architecture and engineering; technical testing and analysis |
| 72 | Scientific research and development |
| 73 | Advertising and market research |
| 74 | Other professional, scientific and technical activities |
| 75 | Veterinary activities |
| 77 | Rental and leasing activities |
| 78 | Employment activities |
| 79 | Travel agency, tour operator and reservation services |
| 80 | Security and investigation activities |
| 81 | Services to buildings and landscape activities |
| 82 | Office administrative and other business support activities |
Section O to U – Public, education, health, arts and other services
| 84 | Public administration and defence; compulsory social security |
| 85 | Education |
| 86 | Human health activities |
| 87 | Residential care activities |
| 88 | Social work activities without accommodation |
| 90 | Creative, arts and entertainment activities |
| 91 | Libraries, archives, museums and other cultural activities |
| 92 | Gambling and betting activities |
| 93 | Sports activities and amusement and recreation activities |
| 94 | Activities of membership organisations |
| 95 | Repair of computers and personal and household goods |
| 96 | Other personal service activities |
| 97 | Activities of households as employers of domestic personnel |
| 98 | Undifferentiated goods- and services-producing activities of private households |
| 99 | Activities of extraterritorial organisations and bodies |
Common 5-digit NIC codes for MSMEs
| Activity | NIC 5-digit |
|---|---|
| Retail sale in non-specialised stores (kirana / general store) | 47110 |
| Wholesale of electronic and telecommunications equipment | 46521 |
| Software development / IT services | 62011 – 62099 |
| Manufacture of ready-made garments | 14101 |
| Manufacture of plastic packaging articles | 22203 |
| Manufacture of cosmetics and toiletries | 20237 |
| Restaurant / food service | 56101 |
| Management consultancy | 70200 |
| Technical testing and analysis (laboratories) | 71200 |
| Freight transport by road | 49231 |
Always confirm the sub-class wording on the official MoSPI NIC 2008 list before filing.
How to find your NIC code for Udyam / MSME registration
Step 1 – Describe the activity in official language
Search for the activity, not the trade name: "retail sale in non-specialised stores" rather than "kirana"; "manufacture of domestic appliances" rather than "mixer grinder".
Step 2 – Pick the 2-digit division from the table above
Manufacturers fall in divisions 10–33; traders in 45–47; service providers in 49–96.
Step 3 – Drill down to the 5-digit sub-class
On the Udyam portal, type the division number or a keyword in the NIC field; the dropdown lists matching 3-, 4- and 5-digit entries. Choose the sub-class that matches most precisely.
Step 4 – Add secondary activities
Udyam allows multiple NIC codes. List the principal activity first; add others (e.g., manufacturing plus trading) so the certificate reflects your full business.
Step 5 – Cross-check with GST and MCA records
The activity should match your GST registration and (for companies) the main division declared in SPICe+. Mismatches cause problems with bank loans, tenders and subsidy claims.
Manufacturing vs services: why the NIC code matters for MSME benefits
Divisions 10–33 make you a manufacturing enterprise; most others are services. This affects eligibility for schemes such as ZED certification, PMEGP margin money and priority-sector lending, and it decides which BIS, EPR or pollution-control obligations apply. If you both manufacture and trade, register both activities.
Need help with registrations that depend on your NIC code?
Instacertify assists with Udyam/MSME registration, Import Export Code (IEC), ICEGATE registration, NSIC registration, ZED certification and pollution consents. Contact us for a free consultation if you are unsure which NIC code fits your business.
Frequently asked questions
What is the full form of NIC code?
National Industrial Classification code, issued by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). The current version is NIC 2008.
Is a 2-digit NIC code enough for Udyam registration?
No. The Udyam portal accepts only the complete 5-digit sub-class code. The 2-digit division helps you find the right section.
Can I add more than one NIC code?
Yes. Udyam lets you add multiple activities, with the main activity listed first.
How do I change my NIC code after registration?
Log in to the Udyam portal and use the "Update Udyam Registration" option to add or edit NIC codes. Company NIC changes require an MCA filing.
What is the NIC code for trading business?
Wholesale trade falls under division 46 and retail under 47; the exact 5-digit code depends on the goods traded (e.g., 47110 for general retail stores).
Which NIC code applies to a testing laboratory or certification consultancy?
Technical testing and analysis is 71200; business and management consultancy is 70200.
