From startups and MSMEs to service providers, manufacturers, restaurants and online businesses, every business in India is classified under specific NIC (National Industrial Classification) code. This single selection is used in company incorporation, Udyam registration, GST setup and other compliance processes yet it’s often chosen without proper understanding.
Let’s see what are the top nic code for services and msme nic code list
What Is a NIC Code
A NIC code (National Industrial Classification code) is a 5-digit number assigned to every type of business activity in India. In short ID that tells the government: “This is what my business does.”
NIC code for services was created by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) to help the government track, classify, and support different industries. The version used today is called NIC 2008.
Here’s how the structure works:
| Code Length | What It Covers | Example |
| 2-digit | Broad industry group | 62 = IT & Software |
| 3-digit | Sub-sector | 620 = Computer programming |
| 4-digit | More specific activity | 6201 = Custom software development |
| 5-digit | Exact business activity | 62011 = Developing & producing software |
When you register your business, whether through Udyam (MSME registration), company registration on MCA, or other compliance filings, you need to mention the right NIC code for services.
Why Does the Right NIC Code Matter So Much?
- Government benefits and subsidies: Many MSME schemes are sector-specific. Wrong MSME NIC code means wrong sector and your benefits are missed.
- Udyam registration validity: incorrect nic code for services can make your Udyam certificate invalid
- Bank loans and credit: Lenders often check your nic code for services to assess loan eligibility
- Tenders and government contracts: Your business category must match the tender’s industry classification
- Policy support: The government designs policies based on industry-wise NIC data
Top NIC Codes for Tech Startups & IT Companies
NIC Code 62 — Information Technology & Software
62011 — Custom software development (most common for software product companies and SaaS startups)
62012 — Software consultancy
62020 — IT consulting and IT management
62099 — Other IT and computer service activities (covers a wide range from cybersecurity firms to tech support companies)
If you’re building an app, developing software, or selling IT solutions you almost certainly fall under Division 62.
NIC Code 63 — Data & Internet Services
63111 — Data processing and hosting (great for cloud companies and data centres)
63112 — Web hosting services
63121 — Operation of web sites that use a search engine to generate and maintain extensive databases of internet addresses and content in an easily searchable format
63910 — News agencies and content portals
EdTech, HealthTech, and FinTech platforms often fall under 63 if their core activity is running a digital platform or portal.
Top NIC Codes for Service Businesses
India’s service sector is massive from consultants and designers to travel agents and event planners. Here are the most-used codes:
NIC Code 69 — Legal & Accounting Services
69100 — Legal activities (law firms, legal consultants, advocates)
69201 — Accounting, bookkeeping, auditing, and tax consultancy (CAs, tax consultants, financial advisors)
If you’re a CA, CS, or tax consultant, this is your section.
NIC Code 70 — Management Consultancy
70100 — Activities of head offices
70200 — Management consultancy (business consultants, strategy advisors, HR consultants)
71100 nic code – Architectural and engineering activities and related technical consultancy
One of the fastest-growing segments among Indian MSMEs. Consultants across industries use NIC 70200.
NIC Code 74 — Design, Photography & Other Creative Services
74101 — Fashion design related to textiles, wearing apparel, shoes, jewelry, furniture and other fashion goods as well as other personal or household goods
74201 — Commercial and consumer photograph production
74909 — Other professional, scientific and technical activities n.e.c.
This is a popular section among freelancers and creative professionals setting up their own small businesses
NIC Code 73 — Advertising & Market Research
73100 — Advertising agencies and related activities
73200 — Market research and public opinion polling
Digital marketing agencies, social media companies, and PR firms typically fall under NIC 73100.
NIC Code 85 — Education & Coaching
85101 — Pre-primary education (education preceding the first level)
85212 — General school education in the second stage of the secondary level (Senior/Higher secondary) giving, in principle, access to higher education
85301 — Higher education in science, commerce, humanity and fine arts leading to a university degree or equivalent
85499 — Other educational services n.e.c.
85500 — Educational support services (tutoring services, ed-tech platforms with offline components)
Coaching institutes, skill development centres, and training firms this is your NIC code family.
NIC Code 86 — Healthcare Services
86100 — Hospital activities
86210 — General medical practice activities (clinics, general physicians)
86201 — Medical practice activities
86909 — Other human health activities n.e.c. (including independent ambulance activities)
Health startups offering telemedicine or diagnostic services also commonly use 86900 nic code for services.
Top NIC Codes for Trading & Retail Businesses
If you’re in buying and selling, whether physical goods or wholesale, here’s what you need:
NIC Code 47 — Retail Trade
47110 — Retail sale in non-specialized stores with food, beverages or tobacco predominating
47411 — Retail sale of computers and computer peripherals
47611 — Retail sale of books of all kinds
47711 — Retail sale of readymade garments, hosiery goods, other articles of clothing and clothing accessories such as gloves, ties, braces etc.
47911 — Retail sale via mail order houses
Online sellers and D2C brands should look at NIC 47910 it’s made for businesses selling through the internet.
NIC Code 46 — Wholesale Trade
46101 — Activities of commission agents, brokers dealing in wholesale trade of agricultural raw material,live animals, food, beverages, intoxicants and textiles
46411 — Wholesale of textiles, fabrics, yarn, household linen, articles of clothing, floor coverings and tapestry, sports clothes
46610 — Wholesale of solid, liquid and gaseous fuels and related products
46909 — Other non-specialised wholesale trade n.e.c.
Top NIC Codes for Manufacturing MSMEs
India’s manufacturing sector is the backbone of the MSME ecosystem. Here are the most common codes:
NIC Code 10 — Food Products Manufacturing
10101 — Mutton-slaughtering, preparation
10301 — Sun-drying of fruit and vegetables
10501 — Manufacture of pasteurised milk whether or not in bottles/ polythene packs etc. (plain or flavoured)
10712 — Manufacture of biscuits, cakes, pastries, rusks etc.
Food processing MSMEs are most funded categories under government schemes and they all comes in NIC Division 10.
NIC Code 14 — Garments & Apparel
14101 — Manufacture of all types of textile garments and clothing accessories
14301 — Manufacture of knitted or crocheted wearing apparel and other made-up articles directly into shape (pullovers, cardigans, jerseys, waistcoats and similar articles)
47711 nic code – Retail sale of readymade garments, hosiery goods, other articles of clothing and clothing accessories such as gloves, ties, braces etc.
One of the largest MSME employers in India, especially in states like Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and West Bengal.
NIC Code 21 — Pharmaceuticals
21001 — Manufacture of medicinal substances used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals: antibiotics,endocrine products, basic vitamins; opium derivatives; sulpha drugs; serums and plasmas; salicylic acid, its
India’s pharma MSMEs contribute massively to the generic medicine ecosystem.
NIC Code 31 — Furniture Manufacturing
31001 — Manufacture of furniture made of wood
31002 — Manufacture of furniture made of cane & reed
31009 — Manufacture of other furniture n.e.c.
Top NIC Codes for Other Popular Business Types
| Business Type | NIC Code |
| Restaurant / Café / Tiffin | 56101 (without bar), 56102 (with bar) |
| Hotel / Guesthouse | 55101 |
| Travel Agency / Tour Operator | 79110 |
| Courier & Delivery Services | 53200 |
| Event Planning & Management | 82300 |
| Security Services | 80100 |
| Cleaning & Facility Services | 81210 |
| Real Estate Agency | 68200 |
| Construction Contractor | 41001 |
| Transport (Trucks / Cabs) | 49219 |
How to Find Your NIC Code
Visit IndiaCorporates online services NIC code page
Describe your business activity. What do you actually do? (e.g., “digital marketing”, “tailoring”, “accounting”)
- Search NIC code: Enter the activity keyword in the search bar-
- Pick the most relevant code: Choose the 5-digit nic code for services that best matches your work
- Use it in your registration: Use your nic code for services in Udyam registration or MCA registration form
Pro tip: If your business does multiple things (say, you manufacture AND sell), you may be allowed to list multiple NIC codes. Always check with professional or the IndiaCorporates team to be sure.
NIC code list: Who Uses What
| Business Type | NIC Section | Key Code |
| Software / IT startup | J – Information & Communication | 62011, 63111 |
| Digital marketing agency | M – Professional & Technical | 73100 |
| Accounting / CA firm | M – Professional & Technical | 69201 |
| E-commerce seller | G – Wholesale & Retail Trade | 47912 |
| Food processing unit | C – Manufacturing | 10700 |
| Restaurant / Cloud kitchen | I – Food Service Activities | 56101 |
| Coaching / Training centre | P – Education | 85400 |
| Healthcare / Clinic | Q – Health & Social Work | 86201 |
| Construction contractor | F – Construction | 41001 |
| Travel agency | N – Administrative Services | 79110 |
Final Thoughts
Your nic code for services is a small but important part of your business identity in India. Whether you’re a first-time founder, a freelancer going official, or a family business getting MSME registration, correct nic code for services from day one saves you time, money, and stress.
The simplest way to find your correct nic code for services? Use the free NIC Code Finder tool by IndiaCorporates. It’s quick, free, and built specifically to help Indian businesses get this right without needing to read through a 700-page government document. Your business deserves the right start. Get your nic code for services right, and everything else gets a lot easier.
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