India has one of the largest postal networks in the world. Over time, postal and communication services expanded with telegraph, telephone and the internet. Key facts on this topic appear in SSC, Railway and State exams.
Indian Postal System
The modern postal system in India began under British rule. The PIN code (Postal Index Number) system was introduced in 1972. India has the largest postal network in the world by number of post offices.
- A PIN code has 6 digits.
- India Post offers savings, insurance and money transfer services.
Telegraph and Telephone
- The first telegraph line in India ran between Kolkata and Diamond Harbour in 1851.
- Telephone services started in India in the late 19th century.
- The telegraph service was officially closed in 2013.
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Modern Communication
- BSNL and MTNL are public sector telecom companies.
- Mobile and internet services expanded rapidly after the 1990s.
- India is among the largest mobile and internet markets in the world.
Key Bodies
Postal services come under the Department of Posts. Telecom is regulated by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), set up in 1997.
Quick Revision Points
- PIN code system was introduced in 1972.
- A PIN code has 6 digits.
- India has the largest postal network in the world.
- The first telegraph line ran in 1851.
- Telegraph service was closed in 2013.
- TRAI regulates telecom, set up in 1997.