How Many Districts Are in India? Get the Latest Count 2025!

March 24, 2025
how many district in india
Quick Summary

Quick Summary

  • India has 800 districts as of 2025, spread across 28 states and 8 union territories. Uttar Pradesh leads with 75 districts, followed by Rajasthan with 50.
  • India has 28 states and 8 Union Territories as a result of this division. 
  • The largest district in India is Kutch, the smallest district is Mahé, most populated district is North 24 Parganas & least populated is Dibang Valley.

Table of Contents

Do you know how many district in India there are? Total district in India are approximately 800 as per the latest data of 2025, From language to food, there’s a wide range of diversity in the districts of India. Each district is an administrative unit of India because of the country’s large area and population.

A district is a specific area within a larger region, often defined for administrative, political, or organizational purposes. For example, a city might be divided into districts for managing services or elections. There are a total of 800 districts in India. Dist. is the short form of the district. Understanding the number of districts is essential for various administrative functions, resource allocation, and governance. Therefore, when asking “How Many District in India,” it is vital to note that this number can change due to administrative reorganization or the creation of new districts to serve the population better.

Below is a detailed map of India with Districts:

India District Map
India District Map, Source – mapsofindia

What is a District?

Before going any further on how many districts in India are there, let us know what is a district. The districts in India are territorial divisions. These divisions ensure the proper functioning of administrative and judicial features. The total number of districts in India as of 2025 is 800.

Administrative Functions of a District

The most essential functions of districts are:

  • To help launch central schemes and policies on the grassroots level.
  • To function as an intermediary between state and central governments.
  • Disaster management on a local level is also the responsibility of districts.

Comparative Analysis of Districts Worldwide

India is not the only country with districts. Countries like the US and China also have district-level governance.

  • The US districts are called counties. There are 3006 counties in the US.
  • Similarly, China has a total of 1355 counties.

Sources to data: Census.gov

How Many States in India?

With the creation of states based on the languages spoken in various areas, the States Reorganisation Act of 1956 significantly changed India’s political landscape. India has 28 states and 8 Union Territories as a result of this division. There are present 400 cities in the entire nation. Eight major metropolises comprise these cities: Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, Ahmedabad, New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad. Understanding “How Many District in India” is essential for grasping the country’s administrative structure, as it reflects the organization of governance and resource distribution across these diverse regions.

There are 28 states and 8 union territories in India. Every place has unique aspects, such as cuisine, language, and tourist attractions. Kerala features serene waterways, while Maharashtra features busy cities. There are prominent forts in Rajasthan and beautiful valleys in Himachal Pradesh. These locations add diversity and interest to India. They have their leaders and are crucial to the development of India. Understanding How Many District in India” is essential, as each state and Union Territory is further divided into districts, which are vital for local governance and administration, ensuring that the unique needs of each region are addressed effectively.

Number of Districts in Each State

STATESDISTRICTSDistrict Names
ANDHRA PRADESH13Allurisitharamaraju, Ananthapuramu, Annamayya, Anakapalli, Baptla, Chittoor, East Godavari, Eluru, Guntur, Kakinada, Konaseema, Krishna, Kurnool, Nandyal, N.T.R, Palnadu, Parvathipurammanyam, Prakasam, Srisathyasai, SPS Nellore, Srikakulam, Tirupati, Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, West Godavari, and YSR Kadapa
ARUNACHAL PRADESH26Anjaw, Changlang, Dibang Valley, East Kameng, East Siang, Itanagar, Kra Daadi, Kurung Kumey, Lohit, Longding, Lower Dibang Valley, Lower Subansiri, Namsai, Papumpare, Shiyomi, Siang, Tawang, Tirap, Upper Siang, Upper Subansiri, West Kameng, and West Siang.
ASSAM33Baksa, Barpeta, Bongaigaon, Cachar, Charaideo, Chirang, Darrang, Dhemaji, Dhubri, Dibrugarh, Dima Hasao, Goalpara, Golaghat, Hailakandi, Jorhat, Kamrup Metropolitan, Kamrup, Karbi Anglong, Karimganj, Kokrajhar, Lakhimpur, Majuli, Morigaon, Nagaon, Sivasagar, Sonitpur, South Salmara- Mankachar, Tinsukia, Udalguri, and West Karbi Anglong.
BIHAR38Araria, Arwal, Aurangabad, Banka, Begusarai, Bhagalpur, Bhojpur, Buxar, Darbhanga, East Champaran, Gaya, Gopalganj, Jamui, Jehanabad, Kaimur, Katihar, Khagaria, Kishanganj, Lakhisarai, Madhepura, Madhubani, Munger, Muzaffarpur, Nalanda, Nawada, Patna, Purnea, Rohtas, Saharsa, Samastipur, Saran, Sheikhpura, Sheohar, Sitamarhi, Siwan, Supaul, Vaishali, and West Champaran.
CHATTISGARH27Balod, Balodabazar Bhatapara, Balrampur, Bastar, Bemetara, Bijapur, Bilaspur, Dantewada, Dhamtari, Durg, Gariaband, Gaurela Pendra Marwahi, Jangir Champa, Jashpur, Kanker, Kawardha, Kondagaon, Korba, Korea, Mahasamund, Mungeli, Narayanpur, Raigarh, Raipur, Rajnandgaon, Sukma, Surajpur, and Surguja.
GOA2North Goa and South Goa
GUJARAT33Ahmedabad, Amreli, Anand, Arvalli, Banaskantha, Bharuch, Bhavnagar, Botad, Chhotaudepur, Dahod, Devbhumi Dwarka, Gandhinagar, Gir Somnath, Jamnagar, Junagadh, Kutch, Kheda, Mahesana, Mahisagar, Morbi, Narmada, Navsari, Panchmahals, Patan, Porbandar, Rajkot, Sabarkantha, Surat, Surendranagar, Tapi, Dang, Vadodara, and Valsad.
HARYANA22Ambala, Bhiwani, Charkhi Dadri, Faridabad, Fathehabad, Gurugram, Hisar, Jhajjar, Jind, Kaithal, Karnal, Kurukshetra, Mahendragarh, Nuh, Palwal, Panchkula, Panipat, Rewari, Rohtak, Sirsa, Sonipat, and Yamunanagar.
HIMACHAL PRADESH12Bilaspur, Chamba, Hamirpur, Kangra, Kinnaur, Kullu, Lahaul and Spiti, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmapur, Solan, and Una.
JHARKHAND24Bokaro, Chaibasa, Chatra, Deoghar, Dhanbad, Dumka, Garhwa, Giridih, Godda, Gumla, Hazaribagh, Jamshedpur, Jamtara, Khunti, Koderma, Latehar, Lohardaga, Pakur, Palamu, Ramgarh, Ranchi, Sahibganj, Seraikela, and Simdega.
KARNATAKA30Bidar, Kalaburagi, Vijaypura, Yadagiri, Belagavi, Bagalkot, Raichur, Uttar Kannada, Dharwad, Gadag, Koppal, Ballari, Vijayanagar, Haveri, Davangere, Shivamogga, Udupi, Chikkamagaluru, Chitradurga, Dakshin Kannada, Kodagu, Hassan, Tumakuru, Mysuru, Mandya, Chamrajnagar, Ramanagara, Bengluru, Bengaluru Rural, Kolar, and Chikkaballapura.
KERALA14Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kannur, Kasaragod, Kollam, Kottayam, Kozhikode, Mallapuram, Palakkad, Pathanamthitta, Thrissur, Trivandrum, and Wayanad.
MADHYA PRADESH52Agar Malwa, Alirajpur, Anuppur, Ashokanagar, Balaghat, Barwani, Betul, Bhind, Bhopal, Burhanpur, Chhatarpur, Chhindwara, Damoh, Datia, Dewas, Dhar, Dindori, Guna, Gwalior, Harda, Indore, Jabalpur, Jhabua, Katni, Khandwa, Khargone, Mandla, Mandsaur, Mauganj, Morena, Narmadapurm, Narsinghpur, Neemuch, Niwari, Panna, Raisen, Rajgarh, Ratlam, Rewa, Sagar, Satna, Shehore, Seoni, Shahdol, Shajapur, Sheopur, Shivpuri, Sidhi, Singrouli, Tikamgarh, Ujjain, Umaria, and Vidisha.
MAHARASHTRA36Ahmednagar, Akola, Amravati, Aurangabad, Need, Bhandara, Buldhana, Chandrapur, Dhule, Gadchiroli, Gondia, Hingoli, Jalgaon, Jalna, Kolhapur, Latur, Mumbai City, Mumbai Suburban, Nagpur, Nanded, Nandurbar, Nashik, Osmanabad, Palghar, Parbhani, Pune, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sangli, Satara, Sindudurg, Solapur, Thane, Wardha, Washim, and Yavatmal.
MANIPUR16Bishnupur, Chandel, Churachandpur, Pherzawl, Tengnoupal, Kakching, Noney, Imphal East and West, Jiribam, Kamjong, Kangpokpi, Senapati, Tamenglong, Thoubal, and Ukhrul.
MEGHALAYA11South West Garo Hills, West Garo Hills, North Garo Hills, East Garo Hills, South Garo Hills, West Khasi Hills, South West Khasi Hills, Easter West Khasi Hills, East Khasi Hills, Ri Bhoi, West Jaintia Hills, and East Jaintia Hills.
MIZORAM8Aizawl, Lunglei, Champhai, Mamit, Serchhip, Kolasib, Lawngtlai, Saiha, and Khawzawl.
NAGALAND11Dimapur, Kiphire, Kohima, Longleng, Mokokchung, Mon, Paren, Phek, Tuensang, Wokha, Zunheboto, Chumukedima, Niuland, Noklal, Shamator, and Tseminyu.
ORISSA30Angul, Balangir, Baleshwar, Bargarh, Bhadrak, Boudh, Cuttack, Deogarh, Dhenkanal, Gajapati, Ganjam, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur, Jharsuguda, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Kendrapara, Kendujhar, Khorda, Koraput, Malkangiri, Mayurbhanj, Nabarangpur, Nayagarh, Nuapada, Puri, Rayagada, Sambalpur, Subarnapur, and Sundargarh.
PUNJAB22Amritsar, Barnala, Bathinda, Faridkot, Fatehgarh Sahib, Fazilka, Ferozepur, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Ludhiana, Malerkotla, Mansa, Moga, Sas nagar, Sri Muktar Sahib, SBS Nagar, Pathankot, Patiala, Rupnagar, Sangrur, and Tarn Taran.
RAJASTHAN33Ajmer, Alwar, Banswara, Baran, Barmer, Bharatpur, Bhilwara, Bikaner, Bundi, Chittorgarh, Churu, Dausa, Dholpur, Dungarpur, Hanumangarh, Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Jalor, Jhalawar, Jhunjhunu, Jodhpur, Karauli, Kota, Nagaur, Pali, Pratapgarh, Rajsamand, Sawai Madhopur, Sikar, Sirohi, Sri Ganganagar, Tonk, Udaipur.
SIKKIM4Gangtok, Mangan, Gyalshinh, Namchi, Pakyong, and Soreng.
TAMIL NADU37Ariyalur, Chengalpattu, Chennai, Coimbatore, Cuddalore, Dharmapuri, Dindigul, Erode, Kallakurichi, Kancheepuram, Kanniyakumari, Karur, Krishnagiri, Madurai, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Namakkal, Nilgiris, Perambalur, Pudukkottai, Ramanathapuram, Ranipet, Salem, Sivaganga, Tenkasi, Thanjavur, Theni, Thoothukudi, Tiruchirapalli, Tirunelveli, Tirupathur, Tiruvannamalai, Tiruvarur, Vellore, Viluppuram, and Virudhunagar.
TELANGANA33Adilabad, Hyderabad, Jagtial, Jangaon, Jayashankar Bhupalapally, Jogulamba Gadwal, Kamareddy, Karimnagar, Khammam, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Komaram Bheem Asifabad, Mahabubnagar, Mahabubabad, Mancherial, Medak, Medchal Malkajgiri, Mulugu, Nagarkurnool, Nalgonda, Narayanpet, Nirmal, Nizamabad, Pedapalli, Rajanna Sircilla, Rangareddy, Sangareddy, Siddipet, Suryapet, Vikarabad, Wanaparthy, Hanumakonda, Warangal, and Yadadri Bhuvanagari.
TRIPURA8Dhalai, Gomati, Khowai, North Tripura, Sepahijala, South Tripura, Unakoti, and West Tripura.
UTTAR PRADESH75Agra, Aligarh, Allahabad, Ahmednagar, Amroha, Auraiya, Azamgarh, Badaun, Bahraich, Ballia, Balrampur, Banda, Barabanki, Bareilly, and more.
UTTARAKHAND13Almora, Bageshwar, Chamoli, Champawat, Dehradun, Haridwar, Nainital, Pauri Garhwal, Pithoragarh, Rudraprayag, Tehri Garhwal, Udham Singh Nagar, and Uttarkashi.
WEST BENGAL23North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Bankura, Birbhum, CoochBihar, Dakshin Dinajpur, Darjeeling, Hooghly, Howrah, Jalpaiguri, jhargram, Kalimpong, Kolkata, Malda, Murshidabad, Nadia, Paschim Burdwan, Purba Burdwan, Paschim Medinipur, Purba Medinipur, Purulia, Uttar Dinajpur, and Alipurduar.
District List with Name and Numbers

Do you know how many district in India? There are 800 total district in India.

First District of India

Salem, located in Tamil Nadu, holds a unique place in India’s history as the first district established on April 4, 1792. (As of 2025, India has a total of 806 districts.) Originally, Salem covered a vast area of 7,530 square kilometers, which included regions now known as Namakkal, Dharmapuri, and Krishnagar districts. Understanding “How Many District in India” is essential for grasping the administrative evolution of the country, as the creation of districts like Salem reflects the historical and geographical changes that have shaped India’s governance structure over the years.

In its early years, Alexander Reed served as the district’s collector from 1792 to 1799, pivotal in shaping its administrative framework. This historical milestone highlights Salem’s significant contribution to India’s early governance and enduring legacy as a key administrative unit. Understanding “How Many District in India” is essential, as it not only reflects the current administrative structure, with a total of 806 districts as of 2025 but also underscores the historical significance of districts like Salem in the evolution of governance in the country. Each district, including Salem, has played a vital role in the development and administration of India over the years.

India District Map under the British Empire
First India District Map

Also Read:

Smallest District in India

Do you know the smallest district in India? Mahe, located in the Union Territory of Puducherry, is the smallest district, with an area of just 9 sq. km and a total population of 41,934.

  • Despite its small size, Mahe attracts tourists from around the globe. Significant attractions include Hillock and St. Theresa Shrine, offering scenic beauty and spiritual experiences.
  • However, the district faces significant challenges, especially in agriculture. Additionally, fishermen’s health in the area has declined, raising concerns about sustainable livelihoods.

Largest District in India

The largest district in India is Kutch, Gujrat. Factors that define the District size are:

  • Population
  • Geographical area
  • Political area
  • Economic and historical factors

Kutch is India’s biggest district. Let us know a bit about its economy.

  • Economic factors are also crucial in determining the district’s size. The primary economic activity in the area is agriculture, and new industries have also been established.
  • India’s biggest district is also famous for trade. Kutch is also a popular tourist spot.
  • The largest district, Kutch, has an area of 45,652 km2 and a population of about 2,092,371. 

Most Populated and Least Populated Districts in India

Most Populated District:

The most populated district in India is North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, with a population of 10,082,852. Below is the complete district list with all details.

StateDistrict NamesPopulation
MaharashtraThane180.50
West BengalNorth 24 Parangas160.9
KarnatakaBangalore126.7
DelhiDelhi East120.12
DelhiDelhi North118.34
MaharashtraMumbai Suburban115.06
West BengalKolkata112.09
TelanganaHyderabad95.7
MaharashtraPune94.27
GujaratAhmedabad87.79

Least Populated District:

The least populated district in India is Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh, with a population of 8,004. Below is the complete district list with all details.

StateDistrict NamesPopulation
Arunachal PradeshDibang Valley7,948
Arunachal PradeshAnjaw21,089
Himachal PradeshLahul and Spiti31,528
Andaman & NicobarNicobar36,842
Arunachal PradeshUpper Siang35,320
Arunachal PradeshDibang Valley42,855
Himachal PradeshKinnaur84,298
Arunachal PradeshKurung Kumey89,717
Arunachal PradeshLongding56,953
NagalandKiphire74,004

Top 10 Biggest Districts in India

The district list of the Top 10 biggest District in India is given below:

District NameStatesSize in sq. km. (Approximate)
KutchGujarat45,652
LadakhLadakh Union Territory59,146
LehLadakh Union Territory45,110
BikanerRajasthan30,247
JaisalmerRajasthan38,401
RajasthanRajasthan31,139
SikarRajasthan10,813
BarmerRajasthan28,387
Pali Rajasthan12,456
GanganagarRajasthan11,171

How many Districts are there in Uttar Pradesh?

Uttar Pradesh, founded on January 24, 1950, has 75 districts and an area of 240,928 square kilometers. It is India’s largest state and also has the most districts. Every district is governed by a district magistrate employed by the Indian Administrative Service.

For better administration, the districts of Uttar Pradesh have been split up into eighteen administrative divisions, each with its headquarters. India’s most populous state has always been Uttar Pradesh. In 2011, the state’s Chief Minister, Mayawati, declared the establishment of three new UP districts: Prabuddhanagar, Panchsheel Nagar, and Bhimnagar. With a population exceeding 12 lakh people, Uttar Pradesh plays a significant role in the overall demographic landscape of India.

Understanding “How Many District in India” is crucial, as it highlights the administrative divisions within states like Uttar Pradesh, which contribute to effective governance and resource management in one of the country’s most populous regions. As of 2025, India has 806 districts, reflecting the ongoing evolution of its administrative framework.

How many District in India in 2025?

India will have 800 districts in total in 2025. This number can fluctuate as the government creates new districts for administrative reasons.

Why Kutch is a Cultural and Historical Destination?

  • Kutch is home to diverse cultures.
  • Great Rann of Kutch is an important landmark of the area.
  • The district also has some ancient archaeological sites like Dholavira.
  • The region’s native handicrafts and leatherwork are also popular.

India District Map: Uses and Functions

●  Using Maps for District Exploration

The India district map can be used to explore towns, villages, rivers, tourist spots, and cultural locations.

●  Online Resources

Some of the most popular online resources for India district maps are Google Maps, Maps of India, and Open Street Map. These can give you a detailed view of the district structure.

Administration of Districts in India:

The district administration in India is handled by key officials, including:

  • District Magistrate, Deputy Commissioner, or District Collector: An officer from the Indian Administrative Service responsible for administration and tax collection.
  • Superintendent of Police, Senior Superintendent of Police, or Deputy Commissioner of Police: A member of the Indian Police Service tasked with maintaining law and order.
  • Deputy Conservator of Forests: An employee from the Indian Forest Service overseeing the district’s forests, environment, and wildlife.

These officials receive support from state government officers. While most districts have unique headquarters, some operate without district collectors, like Mumbai City in Maharashtra, Kolkata in West Bengal, Hyderabad in Telangana, and Chennai in Tamil Nadu.

Understanding “How Many District in India” is essential, as it provides insight into the country’s administrative structure, which currently consists of 806 districts as of 2025. Each district plays a vital role in governance, and the unique operational frameworks of certain districts highlight the diversity in administrative practices across India. This complexity is crucial for effective governance and resource allocation in various regions.

Administrative hierarchy at the District level

 New Districts in India

The Union Territory of Ladakh witnessed a significant administrative change in 2023 with the announcement of five new districts. This expansion from two to seven districts marks a significant milestone for the region, fulfilling a long-standing demand of residents.

The Newly Formed Districts

The five newly created districts in Ladakh are:

  1. Zanskar: Known for its picturesque landscapes and monasteries, Zanskar is a culturally rich region.
  2. Drass: The coldest permanently inhabited place in India, Drass is a strategically important region.
  3. Sham: A remote and sparsely populated region, Sham offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
  4. Nubra: Home to the Nubra Valley, a popular tourist destination known for its dunes and double-humped Bactrian camels.
  5. Changthang: A high-altitude region characterized by its vast grasslands and nomadic lifestyle.
no of districts in each state

Significance of the New Districts

The creation of these new districts is expected to bring several benefits to Ladakh:

  • Improved Governance: The smaller administrative units will enable more focused attention on local development needs.
  • Enhanced Accessibility: The new districts will improve access to government services and infrastructure for residents in remote areas.
  • Economic Development: New administrative centers can stimulate economic activity and attract investments.
  • Empowerment of Local Communities: The new districts will empower local communities to participate more actively in decision-making processes.

Conclusion

In India, each district is unique, with its languages, food, and clothing styles. For instance, in places like Bengal and Bihar, women often wear sarees, while in Punjab, they prefer suits. Because of these differences, it’s vital to help all districts grow and develop equally. Understanding How Many District in India” is crucial, as it highlights the current total of 806 districts as of 2025, each contributing to the rich tapestry of India’s cultural diversity.

The government is working on many programs to support districts. Programs like Make in India and Digital India aim to bring more jobs and technology to every corner of the country. This helps ensure all districts can thrive and contribute to India’s progress.  Understanding “How Many District in India” is essential. By focusing on equitable development across all districts, the government seeks to enhance economic opportunities and improve living standards, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and prosperous nation.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Q1. Which district is largest in India?

Kutch in Gujrat is the largest district in India, with an area of 45,674 square kilometers.

Q2. Is India a 28 or 29 state?

As of 2025 data, there are 28 states in India and 8 union territories.

Q3. Which is smallest district in India?

Mahe in Puducherry is the smallest district in India in terms of area. The district occupies an area of 9 square kilometers.

Q4. How many districts are there in 29 states of India?

There are around 800 total district in India as of 2025 in 29 states of India.

Q5. Which is the 1st district in India?

The first district formed in India was Salem district in Tamil Nadu, established on April 4, 1792. 

Q6. Which state has the most districts in India?

Uttar Pradesh has the most districts, with 75 districts as of 2025.

Q7. How are the districts in India organized?

Districts in India are organized by state and union territories, each having its administrative division.

Q8. Are the number of districts in India increasing?

Yes, the number of districts in India has gradually increased as new districts are created for better administrative management and governance.

Q9. How many district in Delhi?

Delhi has 11 districts. Each district is further subdivided into subdivisions for administrative purposes.

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