India, a country of immense diversity and vibrant culture, is divided into states and union territories, each with its own capital. Understanding the List of Indian states and capitals isn’t just useful for academic or competitive exam preparation—it also offers insight into the geography of India and helps appreciate the country’s complex administrative framework.
As of 2025, India comprises 28 states and 8 union territories. Each state has its own government, while union territories are governed by the Central Government, sometimes with their own legislatures. Below is the latest and updated list, along with some useful state facts to enhance your knowledge.
List of Indian States and Their Capitals (2025)
State | Capital |
|---|---|
Andhra Pradesh | Amaravati |
Arunachal Pradesh | Itanagar |
Assam | Dispur |
Bihar | Patna |
Chhattisgarh | Raipur |
Goa | Panaji |
Gujarat | Gandhinagar |
Haryana | Chandigarh |
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 |
List of Indian Union Territories and Their Capitals (2025)
Union Territory | Capital |
Andaman and Nicobar Islands | Port Blair |
Chandigarh | Chandigarh |
Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu | Daman |
Delhi (National Capital Territory) | New Delhi |
Jammu and Kashmir | Srinagar (Summer), Jammu (Winter) |
Ladakh | Leh |
Lakshadweep | Kavaratti |
Puducherry | Puducherry |
Understanding India’s Administrative Geography
India’s political geography is shaped by its federal structure, with power divided between the central and state governments. This system allows states significant autonomy over local governance, making it essential to know where these powers are exercised—in the state capitals.
For example, Bhopal isn’t just the capital of Madhya Pradesh; it’s a center for legislative discussions, economic development, and regional governance. Similarly, states like Tamil Nadu, with Chennai as the capital, play a vital role in sectors such as technology, automobile manufacturing, and education.
Notable State Facts You Should Know
- Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state in India.
- Rajasthan is the largest by area.
- Sikkim is known for being one of the cleanest states and a leader in organic farming.
- Kerala has the highest literacy rate among all states.
- Goa, though one of the smallest states, has a high GDP per capita thanks to tourism and mining.
These state facts reflect India’s diversity and regional uniqueness.
Importance of Knowing the List of Indian States and Capitals
Whether you’re a student, traveler, policymaker, or simply curious, understanding the List of Indian states and capitals enriches your grasp of India’s regional structure. It also gives context to national events and policy decisions and helps in logistical planning for travel or business.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How many states and union territories does India have in 2025?
India has 28 states and 8 union territories as of 2025.
Q2. Are there any states with more than one capital?
Yes. For example, Jammu and Kashmir has two capitals: Srinagar (summer) and Jammu (winter).
Q3. Which city is the capital of both Punjab and Haryana?
Chandigarh serves as the capital of both Punjab and Haryana, and it is also a union territory.
Q4. Why is it important to know state capitals?
Knowing the capitals is essential for understanding India’s political divisions, governance, and regional culture.
Q5. Which is the newest state in India?
Telangana, formed in 2014, is the newest state.
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