When dialing an Indian phone number, the term “India area code” can be confusing because it is often used interchangeably with two different, critical codes. The official country code for all of India is +91. However, when dialing a landline number within or to India, you must also use a geographic code, which is officially known in India as the Subscriber Trunk Dialing (STD) code, and these are the local codes between 2 and 4 digits long that people often refer to as the “India area code.”
This comprehensive guide will clarify the distinction between India’s Country Code and its area (STD) codes, show you how to correctly dial a number, and provide a quick reference for the major city codes.
India’s Codes: Distinguishing Between Country Code and Area Code (STD Code)
Understanding the difference between the two main codes is essential for successful dialing, especially for international calls.
- The Country Code: The International Gateway
The India Country Code is 91 (often dialed as +91 from a mobile device).
- Purpose: This is the international prefix that routes your call to the country of India. It is mandatory for all calls made to India from outside the country, whether you are calling a mobile or a landline number.
- Format: It is always a two-digit code: 91.
- The Area Code (STD Code): The Local Identifier
The India area code is the local prefix required for dialing landlines. It is formally known as the Subscriber Trunk Dialing (STD) code within India.
- Purpose: This code identifies the specific geographic region (city, town, or district) your recipient’s landline is registered in. It is only required for landline (fixed-line) numbers and is not used when calling a mobile number.
- Length: STD codes in India can range from 2 to 4 digits Major metropolitan cities have shorter, two-digit codes, while smaller cities and towns have longer codes.
- Local Dialing: When dialing an Indian landline from a mobile phone within India, you must usually prefix the STD code with a ‘0’ (e.g., 022 for Mumbai). When calling a landline from another landline within the same city, you typically omit the STD code.
How to Dial an Indian Number from Outside India
To successfully call an Indian landline number from another country, you need to combine three main codes in the correct order:
| Step | Component | Example (Calling a Mumbai Landline) |
| 1. Exit Code | Your country’s International Access Code (e.g., 011 for the US/Canada, 00 for the UK). Use ‘+’ on a mobile. | 011 or + |
| 2. Country Code | India’s Country Code: 91 | 91 |
| 3. Area Code | The local STD code for the city (e.g., 22 for Mumbai). | 22 |
| 4. Local Number | The recipient’s local landline number (usually 8 digits). | 1234 5678 |
| Full Dialing Sequence (Mobile): | +91 22 1234 5678 | |
| Full Dialing Sequence (Landline from US): | 011 91 22 1234 5678 |
Crucial Note on Mobile Numbers: When calling an Indian mobile number (which is always 10 digits long) from abroad, you do not use an area (STD) code. You simply dial the international access code, followed by 91, and then the 10-digit mobile number.
- Mobile Example: +91 98765 43210
Common India Area Codes (STD Codes) for Major Cities
The length of the STD code is inversely proportional to the size of the city—the larger the city, the shorter the STD code.
| City | STD Code (Area Code) | City | STD Code (Area Code) |
| New Delhi | 11 | Hyderabad | 40 |
| Mumbai | 22 | Pune | 20 |
| Kolkata (Calcutta) | 33 | Jaipur | 141 |
| Chennai (Madras) | 44 | Surat | 261 |
| Bengaluru (Bangalore) | 80 | Lucknow | 522 |
| Ahmedabad | 79 | Nagpur | 712 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the India area code always 91?
No. The code 91 is the Country Code for all of India. The term “India area code” typically refers to the local STD (Subscriber Trunk Dialing) codes that are specific to individual cities or regions, such as 22 for Mumbai or 11 for New Delhi.
Do I need to dial an area code for an Indian mobile number?
No. You should never dial an area (STD) code for an Indian mobile number. Mobile numbers are a uniform 10 digits long and are dialed directly after the country code +91 (i.e., +91 followed by the 10-digit number).
What is the ‘0’ prefix I see with Indian landline numbers?
The ‘0’ is the Trunk Prefix used when dialing a long-distance landline call from within India. For international callers, this ‘0’ is omitted because the international access code and country code perform the same routing function.
How many digits are in a full Indian phone number?
A full Indian phone number is generally 10 digits long.
- Mobile Numbers: Always 10 digits.
- Landline Numbers: The local number part is typically 8 digits long, but when combined with the 2-digit STD code (like in major cities), the total length is 10 digits. (e.g., 22 + 8 digits = 10 digits). In smaller areas with longer STD codes, the total length of the combined STD and local number is also often capped at 10 digits.
Conclusion
The most important takeaway for anyone dialing into the country is that the India Country Code is +91 and is required for all calls. The local India area codes (officially STD codes) are only necessary when calling a landline and vary by city, ranging from 2 to 4 digits. By using +91 for international calls and knowing when to include the correct local STD code, you can ensure your call is routed to the right person in India every time.
