India Post offers multiple parcel services — from lightweight letters to heavy cargo parcels. Understanding the weight limits, size restrictions, and charges for each service helps you choose the most cost-effective option and avoid surprises at the post office counter. This guide covers domestic parcel charges for Speed Post, Registered Post, and Parcel Post, plus a brief look at international parcel options, all updated for 2026.

India Post Domestic Parcel Services

India Post offers three main services for sending parcels domestically:

  • Speed Post (EMS) — Express delivery with full tracking, 1–4 working days, up to 35 kg
  • Registered Post — Standard tracked delivery, 3–10 working days, up to 4 kg
  • Parcel Post (Surface) — Economy surface mail, 7–15 working days, up to 20 kg

Speed Post Weight Limits and Charges

Speed Post is the most popular tracked parcel service in India. It accepts items up to 35 kg per parcel. Charges are based on weight and destination (local, same-state, or different state).

Weight Local (Same City) State (Same State) National (Different State)
Up to 50g₹18₹28₹40
Up to 200g₹25₹38₹50
Up to 500g₹35₹55₹80
Up to 1 kg₹50₹75₹110
Up to 2 kg₹75₹115₹155
Up to 5 kg₹115₹185₹250
Up to 10 kg₹190₹320₹440
Up to 20 kg₹340₹580₹790
Up to 35 kg₹555₹950₹1,290

Charges are indicative. Confirm current rates at your post office. Surcharges may apply for remote area delivery.

Registered Post Weight Limits and Charges

Registered Post accepts letters up to 2 kg and parcels up to 4 kg. It is cheaper than Speed Post for heavier items but slower. Suitable for legal documents, negotiable instruments, and items where cost matters more than speed.

Weight Registered Post Charge
Up to 50g₹35
Up to 200g₹42
Up to 500g₹50
Up to 1 kg₹60
Up to 2 kg (letter limit)₹80
Up to 4 kg (parcel)₹100–₹120

Parcel Post (Surface Mail) Charges

Parcel Post or Surface Mail is India Post's economy option for heavy items that are not time-sensitive. It accepts parcels up to 20 kg and is significantly cheaper than Speed Post for large weights.

Weight Surface Parcel Post (National)
Up to 500g₹25
Up to 1 kg₹35
Up to 2 kg₹55
Up to 5 kg₹95
Up to 10 kg₹170
Up to 20 kg₹290

Size Limits for Parcels

In addition to weight limits, India Post has size restrictions for parcels:

  • Maximum dimensions: Length + Girth combined must not exceed 2 metres (200 cm). No single side should exceed 1 metre (100 cm).
  • Minimum size: 10 cm × 7 cm (to ensure it can be handled and stamped)
  • Rolls and tubes: Length + twice the diameter should not exceed 1.04 metres; length alone not to exceed 90 cm

Oversized or irregularly shaped items may be refused at the post office or charged at a higher rate.

Prohibited Items

India Post will not accept parcels containing:

  • Flammable, explosive, or radioactive materials
  • Perishable food items (for domestic parcels — certain exceptions exist)
  • Live animals (except certain insects for agricultural research, with special permits)
  • Currency notes, coins, or other monetary instruments (use Money Order for cash)
  • Obscene or seditious materials
  • Lithium batteries (standalone — when packed with equipment, special rules apply)

Add-On Services for Parcels

  • Acknowledgment Due (AD) card: +₹27 — Returns signed proof of delivery to sender
  • Value Payable Post (VPP / COD): ₹5 + 2% of declared value — Recipient pays amount on delivery
  • Insurance / Indemnity: +₹5 per ₹100 of value (up to ₹1,000 basic indemnity, higher with fee)
  • Fragile marking: No extra charge — mark the parcel "FRAGILE" and request careful handling

Which Service Should You Choose?

Speed Post — for urgent or tracked delivery, up to 35 kg, 1–4 working days

Registered Post — for legal documents, heavier items up to 4 kg where speed is secondary

Surface Parcel Post — for very heavy non-urgent items (books, household goods), up to 20 kg, lowest cost

Tips for Sending Parcels via India Post

  • Weigh your parcel at home first using a kitchen scale to estimate postage before visiting the post office
  • Pack securely — India Post does not provide packaging materials. Use corrugated cardboard boxes and seal with strong tape.
  • Write the correct PIN code — an incorrect PIN code is the most common cause of misrouted parcels. Verify using PincodesInfo.in.
  • Write the complete address — include house/flat number, street name, area/locality, city, state, and 6-digit PIN code
  • Add sender's return address on the back of the parcel for undeliverable articles
  • Book at a Head Office for the most frequent dispatch cycles and faster processing

📮 Verify the recipient's PIN code before sending at PincodesInfo.in. Browse more India Post guides in our Blog.