Classification version comes first
NIC is the National Industrial Classification maintained by MoSPI. NIC 2025 was released on 18 November 2025 and introduces six-digit subclasses; NIC 2008 used five-digit subclasses. The existence of a newer standard does not establish that every older company record or CIN has been recoded.
CorpIntel preserves the activity code and label available in its source record. Some labels come from older corporate datasets and may not match a current NIC description. Where the classification version is absent, treat a translation as uncertain and check the relevant source table before combining codes.
The five-digit hierarchy in NIC 2008
In NIC 2008 the hierarchy has lettered sections followed by two-digit divisions, three-digit groups, four-digit classes and five-digit subclasses. This structure describes that version, not every classification in use.
For example: Section J is 'Information and communication'. Division 62 is 'Computer programming, consultancy and related activities'. Group 620 is 'Computer programming, consultancy and related activities'. Class 6201 is 'Computer programming activities'. Sub-class 62011 is 'Writing, modifying, testing of computer programs to meet the needs of a particular client'.
A stored company activity label can come from an older classification or an upstream corporate dataset. A CIN activity segment must not be treated as a verified NIC 2008 or NIC 2025 mapping without checking the source.
Recorded classification and actual activity
A registered activity classification can differ from what a company currently does. This page does not estimate how often companies change activity or how quickly classifications are updated.
Compare the stored code and label with dated official filings and evidence relevant to the company’s actual activity. Retain uncertainty if the source version or current activity is unknown.
Using NIC codes for research
A stored activity code is useful for selecting a candidate research cohort. Describe it as records carrying that code, not all companies currently operating in the sector. Check coverage and classification before comparing groups.
NIC codes also allow you to compare industry-level trends over time — how many companies were registered in a particular NIC code each year, which states dominate a particular code, what capital ranges are typical for a given industry.
Comparing industries without false precision
Before merging two industry lists, record the classification version, code length and source label. A code that looks similar across versions need not represent the same activity. Use an official correspondence table where available instead of truncating a newer code to force a match.
For a research cohort, describe the selection as records carrying a particular stored code. Do not call that the total number of businesses currently operating in the sector. Registration classification, current commercial activity and complete national coverage are different measurements.