How Many States Are There in India? 28 Surprising Facts (2026)

If you open an older geography textbook, you might see the number 29. If you check a slightly newer one, you might see 28. This constant change has led to one of the most common questions on the internet today: how many states are there in India?

The answer is 28.

As of 2026, the Republic of India consists of 28 States and 8 Union Territories.

The confusion between 28 and 29 is understandable. The political map of India has shifted significantly in the last decade, with borders being redrawn and statuses changing. In this comprehensive guide, we will answer exactly how many states are there in India, list them all with their capitals, and explain why the numbers keep changing.

Exactly How Many States Are There in India Today?

To give you the most accurate answer: there are currently 28 States.

Many people still believe the answer is 29. This is because in 2014, the state of Telangana was carved out of Andhra Pradesh, which momentarily took the count up to 29. However, the map changed again in 2019, bringing the number back down.

When you ask how many states are there in India, you must also look at the Union Territories (UTs). The count for UTs currently stands at 8.

Why Did the Number Drop from 29 to 28?

The drop happened due to a historic decision in August 2019. The central government reorganized the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

1. Statehood Removed: Jammu & Kashmir lost its status as a “State.”
2. Bifurcation: It was divided into two separate Union Territories: Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir.

Because one state was removed from the list (and turned into UTs), the total count of states dropped from 29 to 28. This is the crucial fact to remember when answering how many states are there in India.

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✨ The Complete List of 28 States

Here is the definitive, up-to-date list of all 28 states.

Understanding the 8 Union Territories

Now that we have established how many states are there in India (28), let’s look at the second part of the equation: the 8 Union Territories.

Unlike states, which have their own elected governments and Chief Ministers (CMs), Union Territories are federal territories governed directly by the Central Government of India. However, there are exceptions; Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, and Puducherry have their own legislatures.

The List of 8 Union Territories:

1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
2. Chandigarh
3. Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (Merged in 2020)
4. Delhi (National Capital Territory)
5. Jammu and Kashmir
6. Ladakh
7. Lakshadweep
8. Puducherry

Why Is This Important for General Knowledge?

Knowing how many states are there in India is not just for geography students. It is crucial for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, and Banking.

The borders of India are dynamic. For example, knowing that “Dadra and Nagar Haveli” and “Daman and Diu” are now one single entry is a common trick question in exams.

If you are interested in other fascinating facts about numbers, you might want to check our article on How Many Calories Are in an Apple (Internal Link) to see how numbers change in nutrition too!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Did the number of states increase or decrease recently? A: It decreased. In 2019, the count went from 29 down to 28.

Q: Is Goa a state or a UT? A: Goa is a full state. It is the smallest state by area.

Q: How many states are there in India in 2026? A: There are exactly 28 states.

For more official information, you can always visit the National Portal of India (External Link).

Conclusion

So, the next time someone tries to correct you by saying there are 29 states, you can confidently explain the changes. The correct answer to how many states are there in India is 28, alongside 8 Union Territories.ndia is a diverse and ever-evolving nation, and its map reflects that growth. Stay updated, stay curious! “If you enjoy learning about surprising numbers and facts, check out our popular breakdown of How Many Calories Are in an Apple to see how size changes the numbers there too!”Just like the rules of cricket have changed over time (see our guide on How Many Balls Were Originally in a Test Over), the political map of India is also dynamic and ever evolving.”