PAN is a 10 digit aplha numeric number, where the first 5 characters are letters, the next 4 numbers and last one a letter again.
The meaning of each number has been explained below,

​1. F​irst three characters are alphabetic series running from AAA to ZZZ

​​ ​​2.F​ourth character of PAN represent the status of the PAN holder

• C - Company
• P - Perosn
• H - HUF (Hindu Unidivied Family)
• F - firm
• A - Association of persons (AOP)
• T - AOP (Trust)
• B - Body of Individuals (BOI)
• L - Local Authority
• J - Artificial Juridical Person
• G - Government

​​3. F​ifth Character represents first character of the PAN holder’s last name

​​4. N​ext four characters are sequential number running from 0001 to 9999

​5. L​ast character in PAN is an alphanumeric check digit

Date of issue of PAN card is mentioned at the right (vertical) hand side of the photo on PAN card.