In the Indian Postal Index Number system, into how many PIN code regions is India divided for efficient mail delivery?

Introduction / Context:
The Postal Index Number, or PIN code, is a fundamental part of India postal system. Questions about the number of PIN code regions are common in exams that cover Indian geography and administrative systems, because PIN codes help organize the entire country for mail delivery.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are asked how many PIN code regions exist in India.
• Options given are 5, 6, 7, and 9.
• Each region is associated with the first digit of the six digit PIN code.

Concept / Approach:
In the Indian PIN system, the first digit represents a region. There are several broad regions and an additional special region used for the Army Postal Service. Knowing the total count of these regions is enough to choose the correct option.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the PIN code was introduced in 1972 to simplify mail sorting.Step 2: The country is divided into eight geographical PIN regions, numbered 1 to 8, covering different parts of India.Step 3: A ninth region, represented by the first digit 9, is reserved for the Army Postal Service.Step 4: Therefore, the total number of PIN code regions is 9.Step 5: Among the options, only 9 matches this well known structure.

Verification / Alternative check:
Postal manuals and exam questions on Indian communication systems repeatedly confirm that there are 9 PIN code zones in India, with eight geographical and one for the armed forces.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
5, 6, and 7: All of these undercount the actual number of regions and ignore the full design of the PIN code zones.They do not fit the standard description used by India Post and competitive exam material.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners only remember that there are eight geographical regions and forget that the Army Postal Service forms a separate ninth zone.Others may guess a smaller number because they confuse PIN regions with something like broad political zones.

Final Answer:
India is divided into 9 PIN code regions in the Postal Index Number system.