Political and Administrative Divisions of India – UPSC Indian Geography Notes
The Administrative Divisions of India are structured as a nested social hierarchy of divisions. Villages encompass smaller subdivisions in rural areas, while local bodies are established in urban areas in lieu of these rural subdivisions. India, being a vast country with a massive population, has its administrative composition detailed in the first article of the Constitution. The Administrative Divisions of India are designated as subnational administrative units.
These divisions are instituted for diverse purposes, including fostering development in specific areas, ensuring administrative convenience, and safeguarding tribal population rights, as stipulated in the constitution. This article delves deeper into various facts and pertinent information regarding the Administrative Divisions of India.
Concept of Administrative Divisions of India
India comprises 28 states and 8 Union territories, and they are intricately subdivided into numerous districts. According to the Census 2011, there are a total of 640 districts in India.
The categorization of states and Union territories is primarily based on administrative convenience, linguistic factors, and more. Further, these states are segmented into various districts for ease of administration, often driven by the geographical aspects of the state.
At the foundational level, the Administrative Divisions of India begin with villages in rural areas. In accordance with the Constitution of India, states are mandated to establish Panchayats in three tiers, particularly in districts where the population is fewer than 20 lakhs.
Administrative Divisions of India List
India is organized into states and union territories (UTs) grouped into zones, with each state intricately divided into districts. These districts, in turn, feature sub-divisions that are further categorized into diverse blocks and villages.
The establishment of Administrative divisions in India serves multiple objectives, including providing convenience to administrative services, directing attention to the development of specific regions, and safeguarding the rights of tribal communities as mandated by the constitution.
Zones Wise Administrative Divisions of India
India’s states and Union Territories (UTs) are classified into five zones with the aim of fostering a culture of corporate working among them. The creation of these zonal councils was formalized through the State Recognition Act of 1956.
The zonal Administrative Divisions of India are
| Zones of India | Location |
| The Northern Zone | Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, National Capital Territory of Delhi and Chandigarh (UT). |
| The Central Zone | Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh. |
| The Eastern Zone | Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, Sikkim and West Bengal. |
| The Western Zone. | Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Daman & Diu, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli (UT). |
| The Southern Zone | Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry (UT). |
Cultural Zones of India
In various parts of India, every zone features a designated zonal headquarters that includes an established cultural centre. Each zone bears the responsibility of actively cross-promoting and generating exposure for other cultural zones within India. This is achieved through the organization of events and the invitation of artists from diverse zones. Explore the cultural zones of India below.
| Zone | Centre of Zone | Stretch |
| North East Culture Zone | North East Zone Cultural Centre, Dimapur, Nagaland | Sikkim, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Mizoram, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland |
| North Central Culture Zone | North-Central Zone Cultural Centre, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh | Bihar, Delhi, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand |
| South Culture Zone | South Zone Cultural Centre, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu | Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Karnataka, Lakshadweep, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, Telangana |
| North Culture Zone | North Zone Cultural Centre, Patiala, Punjab | Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Chandigarh, Haryana, Ladakh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand |
| East Culture Zone | East Zone Cultural Centre, Kolkata, West Bengal | Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Manipur, Odisha, Sikkim, Tripura, West Bengal |
| South Central Culture Zone | South-Central Zone Cultural Centre, Nagpur, Maharashtra | Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Maharashtra, Telangana |
| West Culture Zone | West Zone Cultural Centre, Udaipur, Rajasthan | Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan |
States Wise Administrative Divisions of India
India is a union of states, and the supreme law governing the nation is the Constitution. In 1956, the States Reorganisation Act was promulgated, restructuring the states based on languages and culture.
As per the Administrative Divisions of India, there are 28 states outlined in the table below.
| S.No. | Regions of India | 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 |
Divisions of States and Union Territories in India
The table illustrates the count of divisions in each state or Union Territory. In total, there are 102 Divisions in India. Additionally, certain areas within India lack an official administrative governmental status, such as the regions of Assam and Gujarat.
| Name of State or Union Territory | Number of Divisions |
| Andhra Pradesh | – |
| Arunachal Pradesh | 2 |
| Assam | 5 |
| Bihar | 9 |
| Chhattisgarh | 5 |
| Goa | – |
| Gujarat | – |
| Haryana | 6 |
| Himachal Pradesh | 3 |
| Telangana | – |
| Jharkhand | 5 |
| Karnataka | 4 |
| Kerala | – |
| Madhya Pradesh | 10 |
| Maharashtra | 6 |
| Manipur | – |
| Meghalaya | 2 |
| Mizoram | – |
| Nagaland | 1 |
| Odisha | 3 |
| Punjab | 5 |
| Rajasthan | 7 |
| Sikkim | – |
| Tamil Nadu | – |
| Tripura | – |
| Uttar Pradesh | 18 |
| Uttarakhand | 2 |
| West Bengal | 5 |
| Andaman and Nicobar Islands | – |
| Chandigarh | – |
| Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu | – |
| Jammu and Kashmir | 2 |
| Lakshadweep | – |
| Delhi | 1 |
| Puducherry | – |
| Ladakh | 1 |
| Total | 102 |
Union Territories Wise Administrative Divisions of India
India had 7 Union Territories (UTs) for an extended period. However, with the enactment of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, the state of Jammu and Kashmir was divided into two UTs – Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
On 26th January 2020, Daman and Diu, Dadra, and Nagar Haveli were consolidated into a single UT. As per the Administrative Divisions of India, there are currently 8 UTs.
| S.NO. | Union Territories | Capital |
| 1 | Andaman and Nicobar Island | Port Blair |
| 2 | Chandigarh | Chandigarh |
| 3 | Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu | Daman |
| 4 | NCT of Delhi | Delhi |
| 5 | Ladakh | Leh |
| 6 | Lakshadweep | Kavaratti |
| 7 | Jammu and Kashmir | Jammu(winter), Srinagar(summer) |
| 8 | Puducherry | Puducherry |
Districts Wise Administrative Divisions of India
States are segmented into various districts, and for administrative convenience, these districts are organized into zones. Each state has a distinct number of zones/divisions; for instance, Maharashtra has 6 divisions, while Odisha has 3.
As per the Administrative Divisions of India, the current count of districts is 742. Each district is further subdivided into smaller units known as sub-districts, which are referred to differently in different parts of India, such as Taluka, Tehsil, Block, etc.
The smallest administrative unit is a village in a rural area and a town in an urban area. States with a population exceeding 20 lakhs are obligated to establish Panchayats at three levels – village, intermediate, and district levels.
The Administrative Divisions of India play a crucial role in enabling institutions to reach every corner of the country. This systematic federal system ensures the smooth administration of the country, promoting justice and equality for its citizens.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Administrative Divisions of India form a intricate framework that defines the governance and administrative landscape of the country. With a dynamic structure of states, Union Territories, districts, and various administrative units, the system aims to ensure efficient public administration, promote development, and uphold justice and equality for all citizens. The diverse nomenclature for sub-districts, such as Taluka, Tehsil, or Block, reflects the rich cultural tapestry of the nation. The ever-evolving nature of political divisions and the constant efforts to streamline administrative convenience are reflected in the continuous updates to the system. As India progresses, the Administrative Divisions remain a cornerstone, facilitating the outreach of institutions to every corner of the country, fostering corporate working, and safeguarding the rights of diverse communities. It is through this systematic federal structure that the administration of India runs smoothly, adapting to the changing needs of its populace. The Administrative Divisions of India stand as a testament to the nation’s commitment to progress, justice, and equality.
FAQs on Political and Administrative Divisions of India
Q. As per the Administrative Divisions of India 2022, how many states do we currently have?
Answer – The number of states in India is dynamic, and as of 2022, you can refer to the latest Administrative Divisions report for the most accurate count.
Q. What are the different names of sub-districts in Indian administration as per the Administrative Divisions of India?
Answer – Sub-districts in Indian administration may be known as Taluka, Tehsil, Block, or other regional variations.
Q. How many political divisions are there in India?
Answer – India has a diverse political structure with states and Union Territories, and the number of political divisions may vary. Refer to the latest Administrative Divisions report for the most up-to-date information.
Q. How many talukas are there according to the Administrative Divisions of India 2022?
Answer – The number of talukas in India can vary across states. For the latest and specific information, consult the Administrative Divisions report for 2022.
Q. What are the four administrative divisions of Karnataka state?
Answer – Karnataka state is typically divided into four administrative divisions: Bengaluru, Belagavi, Kalaburagi, and Mysuru.
Q. What are the divisions of Indian states referred to as?
Answer – The divisions of Indian states are often referred to as zones or regions, and these can vary based on administrative and geographical considerations.
Q. What is an administrative division in the state?
Answer – An administrative division in a state refers to a delineated area with specific governance and administrative functions. This can include districts, sub-districts, and other administrative units.
Q. How many regions are there in India?
Answer – India is divided into various regions based on geographical, cultural, and administrative factors. The number of regions may vary, and you can check the latest Administrative Divisions report for specific details.
Q. What do you mean by Administrative Divisions in India?
Answer – Administrative Divisions in India refer to the structured organization of states, Union Territories, districts, and other administrative units to facilitate governance, development, and efficient public administration.
Q. How many Administrative areas are there in India?
Answer – The number of administrative areas in India encompasses states, Union Territories, districts, sub-districts, and more. The specific count may vary, and you can find detailed information in the latest Administrative Divisions report.
For Daily Current Affairs Click Here
Join our Official Telegram Channel HERE
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel HERE
Follow our Instagram ID HERE
