States, Union Territories and Capitals of India 2025

States, Union Territories and Capitals of India: India is the seventh largest country and is the second-most populated country (after the People’s Republic of China) in the world. India currently has 28 states and 8 Union Territories within its boundaries. It functions as a sovereign, secular, democratic republic with a Parliamentary Governance system. India boasts a rich cultural history with diverse traditions and languages. This article by Veranda RACE offers a macroscopic overview of the list of states, union territories and capitals of India in a detailed manner for competitive exam aspirants.

List of Indian States and Their Capitals

India is a federal country consisting of 28 states. Indian states have their own elected governments and are self-governing. They are headed by a Chief Minister of State. Indian states are also divided into districts and they are further divided into blocks and panchayats.

List of Indian Union Territories and Their Capitals

India currently has eight union territories. Union Territories in India are administered centrally by the Indian Government and headed by Lt. Governors or Administrators. Only the union territories of Puducherry, Jammu and Kashmir and Delhi are headed by the Chief Minister. Union territories are also divided into districts, though they don't possess the same level of self-governance as Indian states.

New Delhi serves as the capital of India and is itself a union territory. The other union territories include Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Lakshadweep and Puducherry.

The capital of the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands is Sri Vijaya Puram. It was earlier known as Port Blair. The name Port Blair was officially renamed as Sri Vijaya Puram in September 2024 by the Indian Government.

Interesting Facts About States and Union Territories in India

Here, you can find some of the interesting facts about Indian states and union territories:

Largest State in India (in terms of area)

Rajasthan proudly holds the title of the largest state in India by area, sprawling across 3,42,239 square kilometers. It is also known as the ‘Land of Kings’. With its vast Thar Desert, majestic forts and vibrant culture, the landmass echoes the tales of valor and royal heritage of Rajasthan alogn with diverse natural heritage. Its diverse landscape ranges from arid deserts to lush green hills, making it a unique blend of nature and history.

Most Populous Indian State

Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state in India. It is home to nearly 200 million people as per the 2011 Census of India. Uttar Pradesh boasts ancient cities like Varanasi and Agra, where the iconic Taj Mahal stands as a symbol of eternal love.

Smallest State in India (in terms of Area)

Goa is the smallest state in India by area. This state covers just 3,702 square kilometers. Located on the southwestern coast of India within the Konkan region, it is geographically separated from the Deccan highlands by the Western Ghats. Despite its small size, Goa is a vibrant tourist hotspot famous for its beaches, Portuguese colonial architecture and laid-back fishing villages.

Least Populous Indian State

Sikkim is India’s least populous state, with just over 6,00,000 residents. Nestled in the Himalayas, it is a serene natural haven known for its breathtaking mountain views, monasteries and indelible commitment to organic farming. Interestingly, Sikkim is also the second smallest state in India with respect to area. Sikkim became India’s 22nd state on 16 May 1975.

Largest Union Territory of India

Ladakh, the largest union territory of India by area, spans approximately 59,146 square kilometers of rugged mountains and high-altitude deserts. Ladakh was created as a separate union territory in 2019 after the reorganisation of Jammu & Kashmir. Ladakh, often referred to as the ‘Land of High Passes’, is famed for its Buddhist culture, ancient monasteries and adventure tourism, including trekking and river rafting in pristine landscapes.

Smallest Union Territory of India

Lakshadweep is the smallest union territory in India, with an area of just 32 square kilometers. Situated as a cluster of coral islands in the Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep is a paradise of turquoise waters, coral reefs and rich marine biodiversity. Despite its tiny size, Lakshadweep’s unique culture and ecological significance make it a jewel of India’s island territories.

Most Populous Union Territory of India

Delhi is the most populous union territory of India with over 16 million residents within its boundary. As the heart of India’s political and historical landscape, Delhi blends ancient monuments like the Red Fort and Qutub Minar with a bustling modern metropolis. Its metro system is one of the largest in the world, connecting millions daily.

Newest Indian State

Telangana is India’s newest state, born on 2 June 2014, after decades of demand for separate statehood from Andhra Pradesh. Hyderabad is the capital of the state of Telangana. It is a thriving IT and biotech hub.

Newest Indian Union Territory

The union territories of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu merged in January 2020 to form a single entity known as the Union Territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. The capital of this newly created union territory is Daman. This merger of two union territories combined two culturally rich coastal regions in the Arabian Sea stretching along the western coast of India, enhancing their development prospects while preserving their unique diverse identities.

The capitals of various Indian states and union territories always finds its place in General Awareness/Static GK section of Bank, SSC, TNPSC and Railways exams. Veranda RACE through this article hopes to be a detailed article on the list of Indian states, union territories and their capitals offering interesting facts about states, capitals and union territories to prepare for the upcoming Bank, SSC, TNPSC, Railways, State and Central Govt. exams in 2026.

To know more about the list of Chief Ministers and Governors of Indian states and Lt. Governors and Administrators of Indian Union Territories, aspirants can check the following Veranda RACE article:

List of Chief Ministers, Governors , Lt. Governors & Administrators of all Indian States and Union Territories in 2026