India Post now plays an important part in the logistics ecosystem. It is the world’s largest postal system, with over 1.5 lakh post offices located around the country. Today, India Post delivers thousands of orders every day, even to the most remote pin codes in India. With such a large network, tracking a shipment manually can be tough.
If you own a business, the issue becomes even greater. Delayed deliveries frequently result in repeated customer calls, wondering, “Where is my order?” When clients do not receive timely information, their trust suffers, and a lack of trust can directly impact your organization.
That’s why real-time visibility into what you ship is critical. It keeps you informed, consumers up to date, and avoids delivery-related misunderstandings.
So, in this blog, let’s guide you through tracking India Post parcels by article number: What is article no in India Post, and why is it important, and how to use it efficiently to track your shipments.
What is Article Number in India Post?
The article number, also known as the consignment number, is a unique 13-character code provided to each post dispatched via India Post. This number serves as a unique identifier for your parcel and allows you to track its location at any given time.
These 13 characters were not selected at random. Each part of the article number has a distinct meaning.
Let me illustrate this using an example:
“EU567432876IN”
1. First Letter: Service Category
The first letter represents the broad kind of service used.
- E – Express service (Speed Post/EMS)
- R – Registered Service.
- C – Parcel and courier service, and so on.
2. Second Letter: State or Origin of Booking
The second letter signifies the state or place from where the parcel was booked. Each state is assigned a specific alphabet for identification.
- For example:
- U – Uttar Pradesh
- W – West Bengal
3. Next 9 Digits: Unique Serial Number (e.g., 567432876)
These nine digits represent a unique serial number produced at the moment of booking.
They assist India Post in differentiating between parcels, even if they use the same service.
4. Last two letters – Country code
The final two letters indicate the country of origin.
- IN – India
- US – United States
- GB – United Kingdom
How to Find the Article Number on a Post Slip?
Now, when you receive a call from a customer asking why their shipment is delayed, you can either share the consignment number with them or check where to find it. The product number is fairly easy to find on the postage receipt.
See the graphic; the circle number represents your consignment or product number for tracking your parcel.
Other Ways to Find Your Article Number in India Post
Apart from receipts, there are other ways to locate these article numbers. There is a high probability that you will lose or forget the slip while traveling, so here is another way to obtain the article number.
- Via Phone Call: If a package was booked and you forgot the reference number, you can contact the post office directly. You will need some identification to obtain the information, such as the booking date, the receiver’s name or address, the sender’s name or address, or the phone number. The staff will assist you in finding the number with these.
- Via email or SMS history: To find the consignment number, check the number you provided on the parcel. Often, automated notifications contain this information.
India Post Tracking: How to Use Article Number
So you know where to find the article number. Let’s see how to trace your Indian post parcel using a simple approach.
Here are the easy steps for tracking your post:
- Step 1: Visit the https://indiapost.gov.in/ page.
- Step 2: Carefully insert your Consignment or Article number into the designated space.
- Step 3: Solve the captcha to confirm you are not a robot using simple security.
- Step 4: Click track to find out the current status of your package.
What Does Each India Post Tracking Status Mean?
When you track the current state of your package, it displays several status types that you may not understand. Thus, here’s an explanation of each status in simple language so you can understand what they represent.
- Item Booked: This means your parcel has been approved and registered in the India Post system, but it has not yet begun moving from the booking post office.
- Item Dispatched: This status indicates that your item has left the booking post office and is now en route to the next sorting or destination hub.
- Item Received: It indicates that your shipment has arrived at the target post office or sorting centre near the delivery location. For example, if the parcel was shipped to Delhi, it arrived at the Delhi post office closest to the receiver’s location.
- Out For Delivery: This signifies that the parcel is with the delivery agent and will be delivered to the receiver’s address the same day or shortly thereafter.
- Delivered: This means the parcel was successfully delivered to the recipient.
Why is The Article Number Important?
Beyond monitoring deliveries, the article number is useful in a variety of other ways. It benefits both individuals and corporations.
Benefits for Individuals:
- Complaint and claims support
- Proof of booking and delivery
Benefits for Businesses and Brands:
- Shipping visibility and transparency
- Easier customer complaint handling
- Tracking COD and RTO orders
- Better planning and coordination
Wrapping Up
So now you know what article no in India Post and how to trace your shipment using it. The article number is vital to keep safe since it allows you to trace your parcel at any time and from any location in the future. You can also use the article number to make a complaint or claim if there is a problem with your delivery.
Take a moment today to share this information with your friends and family who frequently ship parcels through India Post and frequently inquire, “Where is my order?” This simple piece of information will allow them to simply track their goods and avoid unneeded complications.
What is the meaning of article in post office?
In India Post, an article is any item sent by mail, such as a letter, parcel, Speed Post, registered post, or EMS shipment. Each article is assigned a unique number, which allows it to be identified and tracked throughout the delivery process.
How do I track a post using an article number?
To trace your India Post cargo, take these steps:
- Visit the official India Post website.
- Please provide your 13-character article number in the tracking section.
- Complete the captcha verification.
- Click Track to see the current status and movement of your parcel.
This allows you to track your package in real time.
Where is the article number located?
The article number can be found in several locations, including:
- The shipping label is attached to the parcel.
- SMS or email notifications are sent by India Post.
It is typically represented as a 13-character alphanumeric code, as EU567432876IN.
What is the purpose of article numbers?
The objective of an article number is to serve as a unique identification for each shipment dispatched via India Post. It is useful for tracking goods, providing evidence of booking and delivery, filing complaints or claims, and increasing shipping visibility. It also allows firms to track COD orders and RTOs and to manage delivery operations more efficiently.
What should I do if my package is never delivered?
If your package has not been delivered, you should first track it using the article number to get the latest status. If the problem persists, you can contact India Post customer service or visit your local post office with your booking receipt. The article number is essential to make a complaint or claim regarding the shipment.
How do you check the location of your parcel?
You may track your parcel by entering the article number on the India Post tracking page. The tracking system will display status updates such as item booked, item dispatched, item received, or out for delivery, allowing you to understand where your parcel is and when it is expected to arrive.