Updated Names and Capitals of All States and Union Territories in India
Knowing how many states and union territories are there in India is essential for school students, competitive exam aspirants, and for anyone aiming to improve their general knowledge. This topic is commonly tested in exams like UPSC, SSC, and various state entrance tests. It also helps in understanding India’s administrative divisions and diversity.
| States (28) | Capital | Union Territories (8) | Capital |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | Amaravati | Andaman and Nicobar Islands | Port Blair |
| Arunachal Pradesh | Itanagar | Chandigarh | Chandigarh |
| Assam | Dispur | Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu | Daman |
| Bihar | Patna | Delhi (NCT) | New Delhi |
| Chhattisgarh | Raipur | Jammu & Kashmir | Srinagar (Summer), Jammu (Winter) |
| Goa | Panaji | Ladakh | Leh |
| Gujarat | Gandhinagar | Lakshadweep | Kavaratti |
| Haryana | Chandigarh | Puducherry | Puducherry |
| Himachal Pradesh | Shimla | ||
| Jharkhand | Ranchi | ||
| Karnataka | Bengaluru | ||
| Kerala | Thiruvananthapuram | ||
| Madhya Pradesh | Bhopal | ||
| Maharashtra | Mumbai | ||
| Manipur | Imphal | ||
| Meghalaya | Shillong | ||
| Mizoram | Aizawl | ||
| Nagaland | Kohima | ||
| Odisha | Bhubaneswar | ||
| Punjab | Chandigarh | ||
| Rajasthan | Jaipur | ||
| Sikkim | Gangtok | ||
| Tamil Nadu | Chennai | ||
| Telangana | Hyderabad | ||
| Tripura | Agartala | ||
| Uttar Pradesh | Lucknow | ||
| Uttarakhand | Dehradun | ||
| West Bengal | Kolkata |
How Many States and Union Territories Are There in India?
As of 2024, there are 28 states and 8 union territories in India. This is the most updated count after recent changes in the country’s administrative structure. Knowing these numbers is crucial for scoring in school and competitive exams.
Understanding Indian States and Union Territories
States and union territories of India are the main political divisions in the country. States have their own governments and legislative powers, while union territories are directly administered by the Central Government or through a Lieutenant Governor. This federal structure helps manage India's diversity efficiently.
List of Indian States and Union Territories with Capitals
The list below covers all Indian states and union territories along with their capitals. Learn these for quick revision and practice quizzes. This data often appears in GK, SSC, UPSC, and other exams.
| No. | State | Capital |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andhra Pradesh | Amaravati |
| 2 | Arunachal Pradesh | Itanagar |
| 3 | Assam | Dispur |
| 4 | Bihar | Patna |
| 5 | Chhattisgarh | Raipur |
| 6 | Goa | Panaji |
| 7 | Gujarat | Gandhinagar |
| 8 | Haryana | Chandigarh |
| 9 | Himachal Pradesh | Shimla |
| 10 | Jharkhand | Ranchi |
| 11 | Karnataka | Bengaluru |
| 12 | Kerala | Thiruvananthapuram |
| 13 | Madhya Pradesh | Bhopal |
| 14 | Maharashtra | Mumbai |
| 15 | Manipur | Imphal |
| 16 | Meghalaya | Shillong |
| 17 | Mizoram | Aizawl |
| 18 | Nagaland | Kohima |
| 19 | Odisha | Bhubaneswar |
| 20 | Punjab | Chandigarh |
| 21 | Rajasthan | Jaipur |
| 22 | Sikkim | Gangtok |
| 23 | Tamil Nadu | Chennai |
| 24 | Telangana | Hyderabad |
| 25 | Tripura | Agartala |
| 26 | Uttar Pradesh | Lucknow |
| 27 | Uttarakhand | Dehradun |
| 28 | West Bengal | Kolkata |
| No. | Union Territory | Capital |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andaman & Nicobar Islands | Port Blair |
| 2 | Chandigarh | Chandigarh |
| 3 | Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu | Daman |
| 4 | Delhi (NCT) | New Delhi |
| 5 | Jammu & Kashmir | Srinagar (Summer), Jammu (Winter) |
| 6 | Ladakh | Leh |
| 7 | Lakshadweep | Kavaratti |
| 8 | Puducherry | Puducherry |
Recent Changes in the Number of States and Union Territories
India previously had 29 states, but after Article 370 was revoked in 2019, Jammu & Kashmir became two separate union territories: Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. The merger of Dadra & Nagar Haveli with Daman & Diu in 2020 brought the total union territories to 8. Students must learn these updates for exams.
States and Union Territories Sharing Capitals
Some regions share capitals due to historical or administrative reasons. For example, Chandigarh serves as the capital for both Haryana and Punjab while being a union territory itself. Delhi (New Delhi) is a union territory and the capital of India.
- Chandigarh: Capital of Punjab, Haryana, and also a union territory
- Delhi: National Capital Territory (NCT) and India's national capital
- Jammu & Kashmir: Summer (Srinagar), Winter (Jammu)
Key Facts and Exam Tips for States and Union Territories
- Remember the updated count: 28 states and 8 union territories as of 2024.
- Mnemonic devices and repetition help in quick recall of names and capitals.
- States have their own legislatures, union territories are usually governed by the central government.
- Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu & Kashmir have legislative assemblies like states.
- Check updated sources before exams as changes may occur.
Difference Between States and Union Territories
| Feature | State | Union Territory |
|---|---|---|
| Governance | Elected government and legislature | Central government or Lieutenant Governor |
| Formation | Can be formed by reorganization; have greater autonomy | Formed for strategic, administrative, or historical reasons |
| Legislative Assembly | All states have assemblies | Only Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu & Kashmir have assemblies |
Use of This Knowledge for Students
Learning the current states and union territories of India is vital for exams like UPSC, SSC, banking, railways, and school tests. It also supports general awareness and helps in understanding India’s political map. Students are advised to revise lists regularly and use Vedantu’s study guides for best results.
Related Resources and Further Reading
- Indian State Chief Ministers and Governors
- Federation
- Indian Constitution
- Formation of New States in India
- Federal Features of Indian Constitution
- Making of the Indian Constitution
- Delimitation
- Indian Parliament
- Diverse Democracy
To summarize, as of 2024, India has 28 states and 8 union territories. Each has its own capital and administrative structure. This topic is crucial for school and competitive exams. Regular updates and clear tables, as provided by Vedantu, help students master the Indian political map and administrative divisions easily.
FAQs on Complete List of Indian States and Union Territories (2024)
1. How many states and union territories are there in India right now?
As of 2024, India has 28 states and 8 union territories. This number is important for competitive exams and general knowledge. Remember this updated count for 2024 and 2025 exams.
2. Which Indian states and union territories share a common capital?
Punjab and Haryana share Chandigarh as their capital. Delhi serves as both a union territory and the national capital. Understanding shared capitals is crucial for geography and political science exams.
3. Why do some sources say India has 29 states?
Older sources may reflect the count before the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019. After this, Jammu and Kashmir was divided into two union territories, reducing the number of states to 28. Always check for the latest updates.
4. What changes happened after Article 370 regarding states/UTs?
The dilution of Article 370 resulted in the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. This significantly altered India's political map and is a key topic in political science exams.
5. Are there 8 or 9 union territories in India?
There are currently 8 union territories in India. The merger of Daman and Diu with Dadra and Nagar Haveli reduced the number from 9 to 8. Stay updated on these administrative changes for your exams.
6. How many states and union territories are there in India 2025?
As of late 2024, India continues to have 28 states and 8 union territories. It's highly unlikely this will change before 2025, but always check official government sources for the most up-to-date information.
7. How many states and union territories are there in India with name?
India has 28 states and 8 union territories. For a complete list with names and capitals, refer to official government publications or reliable educational resources. Knowing both the number and the names is vital for exams.
8. How many states and union territories are there in India which states have a common capital?
India has 28 states and 8 union territories. Punjab and Haryana share Chandigarh as their capital. This is a frequent question in exams, so remember this example.
9. Is India a 28 or 29 state?
India is currently a 28-state nation. The previous count of 29 included Jammu and Kashmir before its reorganization in 2019. Keep your knowledge updated with the latest official information.
10. Is India a 8 or 9 union territories?
India has 8 union territories. The number was previously 9, but the merger of Daman and Diu with Dadra and Nagar Haveli changed this. Remember the current figure for your exams.
11. Are 29 states and 9 union territories true or false?
False. As of 2024, India has 28 states and 8 union territories. This is due to recent changes in the administrative structure of Jammu and Kashmir and the merger of some union territories.
12. Which state is removed from 29 states?
Jammu and Kashmir is no longer a state. Following its reorganization in 2019, it is now divided into two union territories: Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. This change is critical for exam preparation.
