How many states in India? India has 28 states and 8 union territories. Many people still think India has 29 states, but this changed in 2019 when Jammu and Kashmir became two union territories—Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
India is a big country with different cultures, languages, and landscapes. Each state has its own government and capital, while union territories are directly managed by the central government. In this blog, we will explore the number of states in India, their special features, and how the union territories work.
How Many States in India? The Latest Update You Need to Know
India has 28 states and 8 union territories. The number of states changed after Jammu & Kashmir became a union territory in 2019. Before this, India had 29 states.
Each state in India has its own chief minister and legislative assembly. The central government manages union territories with the help of Lieutenant Governors or Administrators. States have more power over education, health, and local governance compared to union territories.
Union territories like Delhi and Puducherry have their own legislatures, while others like Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands are fully controlled by the central government. This system helps India manage different regions efficiently.
A Quick Look at India’s 28 States and 8 Union Territories
India is divided into states and union territories, each with its own unique identity. Here’s a simple breakdown:
States of India:
- Largest State: Rajasthan (342,239 sq km)
- Smallest State: Goa (3,702 sq km)
- Most Populous State: Uttar Pradesh (~200 million people)
- Least Populous State: Sikkim (~700,000 people)
Union Territories of India:
- Largest Union Territory: Jammu & Kashmir
- Smallest Union Territory: Lakshadweep
- Union Territories with Legislature: Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu & Kashmir
- Union Territories without Legislature: Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu, Lakshadweep, and Ladakh
Each state and union territory plays an important role in India’s growth and development.
Why Do Some People Think India Has 29 States?
Many people still believe India has 29 states, but this is incorrect. The confusion happened because of the 2019 reorganization of Jammu & Kashmir.
Before 2019, Jammu & Kashmir was a state. After changes in Indian law, it was divided into two union territories—Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. This reduced the number of states to 28.
People also get confused because some union territories like Delhi and Puducherry function like states. However, these are still union territories and not states.
How States and Union Territories Are Different?
India’s states and union territories have many differences. Here’s a simple way to understand them:
- States have their own government, while union territories are controlled by the central government.
- States have more power in making laws, while union territories follow central rules.
- Union territories like Delhi and Puducherry have some state-like powers, but the central government still has control over important matters.
This system helps manage India’s diverse regions effectively.
The Largest and Smallest States in India – A Surprising Comparison
India has large and small states, both in terms of area and population.
- Largest State by Area: Rajasthan (342,239 sq km)
- Smallest State by Area: Goa (3,702 sq km)
- Most Populous State: Uttar Pradesh (~200 million people)
- Least Populous State: Sikkim (~700,000 people)
Even though Goa is the smallest state, it has a high GDP per person and a good quality of life. On the other hand, Uttar Pradesh has the highest population, making it a key political and economic state.
How Many States in India? A Look at the History of Indian States
India did not always have 28 states. The number of states changed many times due to reorganization and new state formations.
Key Changes in India’s State Count:
- 1956: The States Reorganization Act formed states based on language.
- 2000: Three new states were created—Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand.
- 2014: Telangana was separated from Andhra Pradesh to become India’s 29th state.
- 2019: Jammu & Kashmir was divided into two union territories, reducing the number of states to 28.
These changes helped India manage regional demands and governance better.
Conclusion
India has 28 states and 8 union territories in 2024. Many people still think India has 29 states, but that changed in 2019 when Jammu & Kashmir became a union territory. Each state has its own government, culture, and laws, while the union territories are managed by the central government.
India’s state system is always evolving. As the country grows, new changes may happen in the future. Understanding India’s states and territories helps us appreciate its diverse and rich culture.
FAQs
Q: How many states in India in 2024?
A: India has 28 states and 8 union territories in 2024.
Q: Why do people still say India has 29 states?
A: People still think India has 29 states because Jammu & Kashmir was a state before 2019. Now, it is a union territory.
Q: What is the largest state in India?
A: Rajasthan is the largest state by area (342,239 sq km), and Uttar Pradesh is the largest by population (~200 million people).
Q: What is the difference between a state and a union territory?
A: States have their own government, while union territories are controlled by the central government. Some union territories like Delhi and Puducherry have partial self-rule.
