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How to read state–PIN alerts

A difference between the written state and its main PIN band triggers review. It is not complete verification of every active PIN.

Two separate checks

The first check tests six-digit PIN format. The second compares the state identified in the delivery address with its main prefix bands. Six digits do not guarantee a valid delivery PIN; a matching band does not prove the PIN is active.

Fictional exampleComparisonMeaning
Address says Rajasthan; PIN starts 30…Within Rajasthan’s 30–34 bandBand match; verify exact PIN and locality
Address says Rajasthan; PIN starts 80…Outside the main Rajasthan bandReview mismatch; not proof of fraud
PIN contains only five digitsInvalid six-digit formatCheck incomplete address or extraction error
State not identifiedComparison is unavailableUnknown does not confirm a correct address

Shared regions and exceptions

Some states share broad postal bands, including Uttar Pradesh/Uttarakhand and Bihar/Jharkhand. These bands cannot distinguish every exact state. Union territories with separate geographical areas and special PIN exceptions also need care. “Shared” and “Unknown” are meaningful review outcomes.

When an alert appears

  1. Read the customer delivery address on the original label, not the seller return address.
  2. Check whether a state or digit was omitted, merged or extracted incorrectly.
  3. Compare the order record. When needed, check the exact PIN/locality through India Post’s official PIN lookup, using the official India Post locator.
  4. Use the courier or platform’s own process to correct delivery details. Editing tool metadata does not alter the printed label address.

Do not use a prefix-based red alert alone to accuse a customer or marketplace of fraud.

See “State–PIN rules and limitations” inside the tool for the bands in use. Postal rules can change; use official sources for final delivery verification.