National Industrial Classification (NIC)

◈Definition

The National Industrial Classification is India's official taxonomy for classifying economic activities. Maintained by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), it is a hierarchical 5-digit system structured as Section (1 letter) → Division (2 digits) → Group (3 digits) → Class (4 digits) → Sub-class (5 digits). Every MCA-registered company is assigned an NIC code at incorporation based on its declared primary business activity. The current version in use is NIC 2008.

◉See also

• Corporate Identification Number(CIN)

  The 21-character alphanumeric code assigned to every Indian company at incorporation.

• Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation(MoSPI)

  The GoI ministry responsible for India's statistical system, including the NIC taxonomy.

⬢Related guide

• NIC Industry Codes — What They Are and How to Read Them

  NIC codes are how MCA classifies every Indian company's industry. Here's what they are, how to read them, and why they're sometimes misleading.