The NIC is a fundamental tool for statistical surveys, censuses, economic research, and policy formulation.
National Industrial Classification (NIC) – 2025
- NIC 2025 updates the previous NIC 2008. (It was first introduced in 1962).
- It was prepared by MoSPI in alignment with the International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities (ISIC) Revision 5 developed by the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD).
Major Changes
- Structural Change: It moves from the 5-digit coding structure of NIC 2008 to a new 6-digit coding structure. It allows for greater granularity and flexibility, enabling better representation of emerging activities.
- Recognition of indigenous sectors such as Ayush-based healthcare and the handloom industry.
- It also includes sectors like renewable energy, fintech, e-commerce, and digital intermediation.
Salient Features of NIC 2025
- Enhanced Classification of Intermediation Services: New classes have been created to reflect the growing role of intermediaries in sectors such as power, retail, logistics, healthcare, and education.
- Representation of Digital Economy: Cloud infrastructure, blockchain, platform-based services, and web search portals are distinctly classified.
- Integration of Environmental and Green Economy: Expanded coverage includes activities related to carbon capture, waste management, and environmental remediation, better aligning with SDGs.
- Classification is technology agnostic: It means distinctions of activities are not made based on whether an activity is carried out by means of traditional or modern production techniques.