What is the Difference Between HO, SO, and BO Post Offices?

September 1, 20264 min read

If you have ever looked at a post office listing, you may have noticed abbreviations like HO, SO, and BO next to each office name. These letters tell you the type and importance of that post office in the postal network.

HO - Head Office

A Head Office is the main post office for a sorting district. It handles the largest volume of mail and serves as the central hub for all other post offices in that district. Every sorting district has exactly one Head Office. For example, Coimbatore H.O is the Head Office for the Coimbatore sorting district.

SO - Sub Office

A Sub Office is a mid-level post office that provides most of the services a Head Office does, including savings accounts and money orders. Sub Offices report to their district Head Office. They are usually found in smaller towns and neighbourhoods within a city.

BO - Branch Office

A Branch Office is the smallest type of post office. It is usually located in rural areas and villages. Branch Offices offer basic services like mail delivery and letter booking. They do not handle savings accounts or money orders directly. A Branch Office reports to its nearest Sub Office or Head Office.

How many of each type exist?

India has approximately:

800+ Head Offices across all sorting districts
15,000+ Sub Offices in towns and suburban areas
125,000+ Branch Offices in villages and rural areas

Does the type affect delivery?

Yes. Head Offices and Sub Offices usually have faster processing times. If your address shows a Branch Office, mail may take an extra day or two because it has to go through a Sub Office first. Delivery status also varies - Head Offices and most Sub Offices offer daily delivery, while some Branch Offices deliver only a few times a week.

Look up any PIN code on multisheets.com to see which type of post office serves that area.