While browsing for PIN codes on AreaPincodes.com, you might have noticed that codes starting with “9” are rare. That’s because this digit is reserved for a special postal region in India—the Army Postal Service (APS). The APS plays a critical role in ensuring that the Indian Armed Forces can stay connected with their families, even in remote or conflict-prone areas.
What is the Army Postal Service (APS)?
The Army Postal Service (APS) is a dedicated branch of India Post that handles mail for military personnel. Soldiers are often deployed in remote border locations, difficult terrains, or areas without a standard civilian postal network. To maintain security, confidentiality, and timely delivery, they cannot use conventional addresses.
The APS ensures that letters, parcels, and essential communication reach soldiers efficiently and securely, no matter where they are posted.
The “9th Postal Zone” Explained
India’s postal system is divided into 9 zones, each represented by the first digit of a PIN code:
1–8: Civilian zones covering Northern, Western, Southern, and Eastern India
9: Reserved exclusively for Army Postal Service (APS)
This makes 9th zone PIN codes unique, and they are not tied to any particular city or state.
The “56 APO” and “99 APO” System
Instead of city-based addresses, APS uses central hubs called Army Post Offices (APOs) for internal mail distribution:
- 56 APO – Located in New Delhi, serving as the 1st Central Base Post Office.
- 99 APO – Located in Kolkata, serving as the 2nd Central Base Post Office.
From these central hubs, mail is routed to Field Post Offices (FPOs) stationed across military bases, border outposts, and operational zones.
Tip: When addressing APS mail, always include the correct APO number to ensure prompt delivery.
How to Address Mail to a Soldier
Sending a letter to a soldier requires a specific format for security and efficiency:
Rank & Service Number
Name of the Soldier
Unit / Regiment
c/o 56 APO or 99 APO
PIN Code (if provided by APS)
Example:
Capt. Rohan Sharma
21 Infantry Regiment
c/o 56 APO
Important Tips:
- Do not include the soldier’s actual location; the APO number ensures delivery.
- Include a return address for postal safety.
- Use legible handwriting or printed labels for faster processing.
Why the APS is Important
The APS is vital for morale and communication within the Indian Armed Forces. Without this dedicated postal zone:
- Soldiers might experience delays in receiving personal letters or packages.
- Military operations requiring confidential correspondence could be compromised.
- Families would struggle to stay connected with loved ones in remote areas.
The APS ensures reliable, secure, and timely communication, making the 9th postal zone a unique and essential part of the Indian postal network.
Conclusion
The 9th postal zone is not just another number—it represents the link between our soldiers and their families. By understanding how the Army Postal Service (APS) works, civilians can send mail securely and ensure it reaches its destination, even in the most challenging environments.
For accurate APO codes, FPO information, and PIN codes, visit AreaPincodes.com and make sure your mail is addressed correctly.
