If you’re starting SaaS, software development, AI or IT business in India, choosing correct NIC code is important part of registration process. NIC code 62011 is most commonly used classification for business of computer programming and software development.
What is NIC code?
NIC (National Industrial Classification) code is 5-digit business activity code used by Government of India to classify businesses based on what they actually do
NIC codes are commonly required for:
- Company Incorporation (MCA)
- MSME Udyam Registration
- Government schemes
- Business classification
- Various regulatory and compliance processes.
Always select code that best represents your primary business activity, not every service you may offer. Correct NIC code helps:
- Classify your business correctly
- Complete registration smoothly
- Match your actual business activity
- Avoid unnecessary compliance issues
- Support applications for government programs where industry classification matters
Choosing right NIC code at beginning is essential because wrong NIC code can create confusion during registration and future compliance. Select right NIC code with help of NIC code list
Most common NIC code for SaaS and software companies
1. NIC Code 62011: Computer Programming Activities
This is the most commonly used NIC code for software companies and SaaS startups. This code covers writing, modifying and testing computer programs to meet client needs.
62011 code covers:
- Custom software development
- SaaS product development
- Software programming
- Enterprise software
- Mobile app development
- AI software development
- CRM and ERP development
- Business software solutions
62011 code is best for
- SaaS Startups
- AI Startups
- Software Product Companies
- App Development Companies
- Enterprise Software Businesses
- FinTech Platforms
- EdTech Companies
- HealthTech Software
2. NIC Code 62012: Web Page Designing
If your agency mainly builds websites instead of software products, this code is appropriate. This code is specifically meant for business whose primary activity is:
- Website designing
- UI design for websites
- Front-end website creation
- Website development services focused on web-page design
Best for:
- Web Design Agencies
- Freelance Website Designers
- Website Development Companies
3. NIC Code 62013: Software Support and Maintenance
Use this keyword if your business mainly provide:
- Software maintenance
- Technical support
- Bug fixing
- Application support
- Annual maintenance contracts (AMC)
- Software updates
Best for
- Software Support Companies
- IT Maintenance Providers
- Technical Support Teams
4. NIC Code 62020: Computer Consultancy and Computer Facilities Management
Choose this code if consulting is your primary service rather than software development. This code covers:
- IT consulting
- Technology advisory
- System implementation
- Computer facilities management
- IT infrastructure planning
Best for
- IT Consultants
- Technology Advisors
- Digital Transformation Consultants
5. NIC Code 62099: Other IT and Computer Service Activities
Some businesses don’t fit properly into programming or consulting. This category can include various computer related services not specifically classified elsewhere.
Best for:
- Cybersecurity Services
- Specialized IT Services
- Emerging Technology Businesses
6. NIC Code 63111: Data Processing and Hosting
Many cloud businesses mistakenly choose this code. If your company primarily processes or hosts customer data rather than developing software, choose this code. NIC code 63111 is mainly for companies that provide:
- Data processing
- Hosting services
- Managed data operations
- Large-scale information processing
Best for:
- Data Processing Companies
- Managed Hosting Providers
- Cloud Infrastructure Businesses
7. NIC Code 63112: Web Hosting Services
Businesses whose activity is hosting websites or web applications can choose this code
Services include:
- Website hosting
- Server hosting
- Shared hosting
- VPS hosting
- Cloud hosting solutions
NIC code list
| NIC Code | Business Activity | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| 62011 | Computer Programming Activities (Software Development) | SaaS startups, AI companies, Software product companies, Mobile app developers, Enterprise software businesses |
| 62012 | Web Page Designing | Website design agencies, Web development companies, Freelance web designers |
| 62013 | Software Support and Maintenance | Software maintenance providers, Technical support companies, AMC service providers |
| 62020 | Computer Consultancy and Computer Facilities Management | IT consulting firms, Technology consultants, Digital transformation companies |
| 62099 | Other Information Technology and Computer Service Activities | Cybersecurity firms, Specialized IT service providers, Emerging technology businesses |
| 63111 | Data Processing, Hosting and Related Activities | Cloud service providers, Data processing companies, managed hosting businesses |
| 63112 | Web Portals and Web Hosting Services | Website hosting providers, Web portal operators, Hosting companies |
Which NIC Code Should Different Tech Startups Choose?
- SaaS Startup: 62011
- AI Startup: 62011
- Mobile App Development Company: 62011
- Website Design Agency: 62012
- Software Maintenance Company: 62013
- IT Consulting Firm: 62020
- Cloud Hosting Company: 63111 or 63112, depending on primary activity is data processing/hosting or web hosting.
How to Find the Right NIC Code
Step 1: Visit the NIC Code Finder
Open the IndiaCorporates NIC Code Finder
Step 2: Enter Your Business Activity
In the search box, type a keyword or number code (Check NIC code list below) that best describes your business.
E.g
- Software Development
- Mobile App Development
- AI Software
- IT Consulting
- Cloud Hosting
- Data Processing
- Website Designing
- 58
- 63
The tool searches through the official NIC 2008 classification and displays the closest matching business activities.
Step 3: Review the Suggested NIC Codes
After entering your keyword, you’ll see a list of matching NIC codes along with their business descriptions.
- 62011: Computer Programming Activities
- 62012: Web Page Designing
- 62013: Software Support and Maintenance
- 62020: Computer Consultancy and Computer Facilities Management
- 63111: Data Processing, Hosting and Related Activities
Read the description carefully and select the code that most accurately represents your primary business activity, not just the technology you use.
Step 4: Choose the Most Relevant Business Activity
Many startups offer multiple services, such as software development, IT consulting, cloud hosting, and technical support.
Ask yourself:
- What is my company’s main source of revenue?
- What service or product do I primarily provide?
- Which activity will represent my business in official registrations?
For example, if your company develops a SaaS product or custom softwares like invoicing software, NIC Code 62011 is generally the most suitable choice. If your primary business is data hosting or processing, another code such as 63111 may better reflect your operations.
Step 5: Use the Selected NIC Code During Registration
Once you’ve identified the correct code, use it while completing registrations such as:
- Private Limited Company Registration
- LLP Registration
- MSME Udyam Registration
- Other government compliance forms that require business activity classification
If your business carries out more than one activity, you may be able to include multiple NIC codes where permitted, but your primary code should always represent your core business activity.
Final Thoughts
Choosing right NIC code small but important step when starting SaaS or software business in India. It helps ensure your business is correctly classified during company registration, Udyam (MSME) registration, and other compliance processes. While NIC Code 62011 is the most suitable choice for most software development companies, SaaS startups, AI businesses, and mobile app developers, other related NIC codes may be more appropriate depending on your primary business activity.
Before selecting a code, take a moment to understand what your business actually does and choose the classification that best represents your core operations. If you’re still unsure, use the IndiaCorporates NIC Code Finder to search by your business activity and compare relevant NIC codes. Choosing the correct code from the beginning can save time, reduce compliance issues, and ensure your startup has the right foundation for future growth.
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