Ever wondered how many states and capitals India has? With 28 states and 8 Union Territories, India is a land of diverse geography, languages, and cultures. For students, knowing the states and capitals is an essential part of general knowledge. Whether you’re preparing for a quiz, an exam, or just curious to learn more about India’s political divisions, this guide is your one-stop solution.
Let’s explore the full list along with easy tips to memorize them and a few interesting facts to keep things fun.
Why Learn States and Capitals?
Learning the names of states and their capitals helps students understand how India is organized politically and geographically. It improves spatial awareness, supports map learning, and is often tested in school exams and GK competitions.
For even more general knowledge practice, don’t miss these top 50 GK questions for students, which are perfect for self-assessment and class quizzes.
Regional Grouping of Indian States with their Capitals
Breaking down the states by region helps in quicker memorization and better geographical understanding.
North India
- Jammu & Kashmir – Srinagar/Jammu
- Himachal Pradesh – Shimla
- Punjab – Chandigarh
- Haryana – Chandigarh
- Uttarakhand – Dehradun
- Uttar Pradesh – Lucknow
South India
- Andhra Pradesh – Amaravati
- Karnataka – Bengaluru
- Kerala – Thiruvananthapuram
- Tamil Nadu – Chennai
- Telangana – Hyderabad
East India
- Bihar – Patna
- Jharkhand – Ranchi
- Odisha – Bhubaneswar
- West Bengal – Kolkata
West India
- Rajasthan – Jaipur
- Gujarat – Gandhinagar
- Maharashtra – Mumbai
- Goa – Panaji
Central India
- Madhya Pradesh – Bhopal
- Chhattisgarh – Raipur
Northeast India
- Arunachal Pradesh – Itanagar
- Assam – Dispur
- Manipur – Imphal
- Meghalaya – Shillong
- Mizoram – Aizawl
- Nagaland – Kohima
- Tripura – Agartala
- Sikkim – Gangtok
Union Territories and Their Capitals
Union Territory | Capital |
Andaman and Nicobar Islands | Port Blair |
Chandigarh | Chandigarh |
Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu | Daman |
Delhi (National Capital Territory) | New Delhi |
Jammu and Kashmir | Srinagar (Summer), Jammu (Winter) |
Ladakh | Leh |
Lakshadweep | Kavaratti |
Puducherry | Puducherry |
Timeline of Key Changes in States and Capitals
Understanding the evolution of India’s states adds depth to your knowledge:
- 2000: Creation of Jharkhand (from Bihar), Chhattisgarh (from Madhya Pradesh), and Uttarakhand (from Uttar Pradesh)
- 2014: Telangana was formed as the 29th state, carved out of Andhra Pradesh
- 2019: Jammu & Kashmir was reorganized into two Union Territories—Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh
- 2020: Dadra & Nagar Haveli merged with Daman & Diu to become a single Union Territory
These historical shifts are important for both exams and understanding the administrative evolution of India.
Fun Ways to Memorize States and Capitals
Memorizing 36 names can feel like a lot, but here are some fun strategies:
- Break them into regions like North, South, East, West, and Northeast
- Use rhyming words or mnemonics to remember tricky ones
- Create flashcards or mind maps with states and their capitals
- Turn it into a quiz game with friends or classmates
Want to boost your retention and memory? Building a habit of reading regularly helps! Here’s why the importance of reading can’t be overstated when it comes to better learning.
Geography Fun Facts
- Chandigarh – A Triple Role City
Chandigarh is one of the most interesting capitals in India—it serves as the capital of not one, but two states: Punjab and Haryana, and is also a Union Territory on its own. - Two Capitals, One State – Jammu & Kashmir
Jammu & Kashmir is the only region in India with two capitals: Srinagar (summer) and Jammu (winter). The capital shifts with the seasons! - Smallest State, Big Capital – Goa
Goa, India’s smallest state by area, has Panaji as its capital—known for its Portuguese-style architecture and scenic riverside views. - High Altitude Capital – Leh, Ladakh
Leh, the capital of Ladakh, is one of the highest capitals in the world, located over 11,500 feet above sea level. - Youngest State – Telangana
Telangana is India’s youngest state, formed in 2014, with Hyderabad as its capital. Hyderabad was earlier the capital of undivided Andhra Pradesh. - Island Capital – Port Blair
Port Blair, capital of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, lies deep in the Bay of Bengal and is closer to Myanmar and Thailand than mainland India. - Capital by Design – Gandhinagar
Gandhinagar, capital of Gujarat, was specifically planned and built after the partition, much like Chandigarh and New Delhi.
More to Explore
India’s geography goes far beyond just political boundaries. Our rich biodiversity is preserved in several wildlife reserves and eco-sensitive areas. If this excites your curiosity, explore the top national parks in India to deepen your understanding of nature and conservation.
Parents looking to build strong general awareness in children can check out the best schools in Uppal, offering holistic development and engaging academic practices. If you’re following the national curriculum, here are top CBSE schools in Uppal to consider. And for a global education experience, explore the best IGCSE schools in Uppal that blend international perspectives with Indian values.
Conclusion
Understanding the states and capitals of India is more than just a memory exercise—it’s a stepping stone to becoming more aware of the nation’s identity. Whether you’re studying for a school competition, improving your general knowledge, or just feeding your curiosity, this guide offers a clear and complete overview.
Keep revisiting and practicing. With time, these names will become second nature. Explore maps, quizzes, and reading materials to keep things engaging, and you’ll master Indian geography in no time.
FAQs
- How many states and union territories are there in India in 2025?
There are 28 states and 8 Union Territories in India. - What is the capital of India?
The capital of India is New Delhi. - Is Chandigarh a state or a capital?
Chandigarh is a Union Territory and also serves as the capital of Punjab and Haryana. - What is the best way to learn all states and capitals?
The best way is to use maps, flashcards, regional groupings, and daily practice. - Why is it important to know states and capitals?
It helps improve geographical knowledge, supports academic performance, and is essential for GK and quiz competitions.
