What are the 8 Union Territories of India and Their Capitals?
The 8 Union Territories of India are special regions directly governed by India’s central government. They play a key role in the country’s federal setup and often appear in school exams, competitive tests, and quizzes. Knowing their list, capitals, and how they differ from states is essential for quick revision and general knowledge.
| Union Territory | Capital | Formed/Latest Change |
|---|---|---|
| Andaman & Nicobar Islands | Port Blair | 1956 |
| Chandigarh | Chandigarh | 1966 |
| Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu | Daman | 2020 (merged) |
| Delhi (National Capital Territory) | New Delhi | 1956 |
| Jammu & Kashmir | Srinagar (summer), Jammu (winter) | 2019 (reorganised) |
| Ladakh | Leh | 2019 (new UT) |
| Lakshadweep | Kavaratti | 1956 |
| Puducherry | Puducherry | 1962 |
What are Union Territories? (Definition & Key Points)
Union Territories (UTs) are regions in India without full statehood. They are directly administered by the central government through a Lieutenant Governor or Administrator, unlike states which have their own elected government and legislative assembly.
- Most UTs were created for special reasons: small population, strategic location, or cultural importance.
- There are currently 8 Union Territories of India (2024).
- Some UTs (like Delhi and Puducherry) have a locally elected legislative assembly.
Complete List of 8 Union Territories of India and Their Capitals (2024)
Students must know the updated list, as changes like the 2020 merger of Daman & Diu with Dadra & Nagar Haveli, and the 2019 reorganisation of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, often feature in exam questions.
| No. | Union Territory | Capital |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andaman & Nicobar Islands | Port Blair |
| 2 | Chandigarh | Chandigarh |
| 3 | Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu | Daman |
| 4 | Delhi (NCT) | New Delhi |
| 5 | Jammu & Kashmir | Srinagar (summer), Jammu (winter) |
| 6 | Ladakh | Leh |
| 7 | Lakshadweep | Kavaratti |
| 8 | Puducherry | Puducherry |
History and Evolution of Union Territories in India
After Independence, Indian territories were reorganized several times. The States Reorganisation Act (1956) created UTs for efficient administration. Some UTs (e.g., Goa, Himachal Pradesh) later gained statehood. In 2019, Jammu & Kashmir became two UTs: Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. In 2020, Dadra & Nagar Haveli merged with Daman & Diu.
- 1956: UTs created
- 1966: Chandigarh created as UT
- 2019: J&K reorganized; Ladakh UT
- 2020: Dadra & Nagar Haveli + Daman & Diu merged
Governance Structure of Union Territories
Union Territories are governed by administrators or Lieutenant Governors appointed by India’s President. The Parliament makes laws for UTs. Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu & Kashmir have their own elected legislative assemblies but with limited powers compared to states. Other UTs are completely run by the Centre.
- Delhi is the National Capital Territory, with special status and its own assembly.
- Most UTs have no legislature; the Centre administers directly.
- The Indian Constitution covers UTs in Articles 239–241.
Differences Between States and Union Territories
The major difference is governance: States have their own governments, chief ministers, and legislatures. Union Territories are mainly governed by the central government, which ensures direct control for special needs—security, culture, size, or location.
- States: Elected governments, broad powers
- UTs: Centre-ruled (except Delhi, Puducherry, J&K with partial autonomy)
- States have more representation in Parliament
Read more: India’s Federal Structure and the Formation of New States for deeper understanding.
Why Union Territories Matter for Students
Questions on Union Territories appear in MCQs, map work, and viva exams. Examples include:
- Name 8 Union Territories with their capitals for a GK quiz.
- Locate and mark UTs on a map in social studies class.
- Explain why Delhi is different from other UTs in a short answer.
Mastering these facts helps in school projects, government exam preparation, and understanding India’s administrative diversity.
| Union Territory | Capital | Founded | Significance/Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andaman & Nicobar Islands | Port Blair | 1956 | Archipelago, strategic, biodiversity |
| Chandigarh | Chandigarh | 1966 | Shared Punjab/Haryana capital, planned city |
| Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu | Daman | 2020 | Western coast, merged from two UTs |
| Delhi (NCT) | New Delhi | 1956 | National capital, own assembly |
| Jammu & Kashmir | Srinagar/Jammu | 2019 | Special status, partial self-rule |
| Ladakh | Leh | 2019 | High-altitude, strategic |
| Lakshadweep | Kavaratti | 1956 | Smallest UT, island group |
| Puducherry | Puducherry | 1962 | Former French colony, own assembly |
Examples and Use Cases (For Exams & Real Life)
Suppose you’re asked in a competitive exam to choose the right capital for Lakshadweep or to match Delhi’s status. In project work, you might locate all 8 UTs on a map or explain why Jammu & Kashmir has two capitals. These facts are vital for success in school and government job exams.
If you’re preparing for board exams, group discussions, or quizzes, referring to precise tables and the latest information (such as the 2020 merger) gives you an edge. For daily life—travel, news, or general awareness—knowing these differences adds to your practical knowledge.
Learn more about related topics: Powers of State Leaders, Administrative Tribunals, and India’s Diverse Democracy.
Quick Revision Table: 8 Union Territories of India
| UT (2024) | Capital |
|---|---|
| Andaman & Nicobar Islands | Port Blair |
| Chandigarh | Chandigarh |
| Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu | Daman |
| Delhi (NCT) | New Delhi |
| Jammu & Kashmir | Srinagar, Jammu |
| Ladakh | Leh |
| Lakshadweep | Kavaratti |
| Puducherry | Puducherry |
At Vedantu, we explain tricky geography and polity concepts in a simple, exam-focused way. Revising the 8 Union Territories of India using the tables and summaries above will make your test preparations quicker and more reliable.
Summary: The 8 Union Territories of India (2024) are Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry. Each UT has a unique capital and administrative status, often asked in exams and GK quizzes. Refer to the tables above for fast, accurate revision.
FAQs on 8 Union Territories of India: Complete List, Capitals & Map (2024)
1. What are the 8 Union Territories of India and their capitals?
As of 2024, India has eight Union Territories (UTs). Each UT has a distinct capital and unique governance structure compared to states. Here's a list:
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Port Blair)
- Chandigarh (Chandigarh)
- Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (Daman)
- Delhi (National Capital Territory) (Delhi)
- Jammu and Kashmir (Srinagar/Jammu)
- Ladakh (Leh)
- Lakshadweep (Kavaratti)
- Puducherry (Puducherry)
2. Why does India have 8 Union Territories instead of 9?
The number of Union Territories in India fluctuates due to reorganizations and mergers. Previously, there were more UTs. For example, in 2019, the state of Jammu and Kashmir was reorganized into two UTs, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. Similarly, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu were merged into a single UT. These changes in recent years brought the current number of UTs to eight.
3. What changes occurred in Union Territories after 2019?
Significant changes reshaped India's Union Territories after 2019. The most notable change was the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir into two separate UTs: Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Additionally, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu were merged into a single UT.
4. How are Union Territories different from states?
States and Union Territories differ primarily in their governance. States have more autonomy, with their own elected governments and legislatures, while UTs are directly governed by the central government in New Delhi. While states have their own constitutions, UTs do not, instead, are governed directly by the central government.
5. Can Union Territories become states in the future?
Yes, Union Territories can be upgraded to statehood through an amendment to the Constitution of India. This requires a resolution passed by the Parliament, considering factors such as population, administrative capacity, and financial viability. Historically, several UTs have achieved statehood this way.
6. Is India have 9 Union Territories?
No, as of 2024, India has eight Union Territories, not nine. The number has changed over time due to mergers and reorganizations.
7. Why is India divided into 28 states and 8 Union Territories?
India's division into 28 states and 8 Union Territories reflects a complex interplay of geographical, historical, and administrative factors. The system allows for the efficient governance of diverse regions with varying needs and administrative capabilities. Union Territories typically have unique features requiring closer central government oversight. The number is subject to change with constitutional amendments and reorganizations.
8. Is India a 28 or 29 state?
India currently has 28 states. The addition of Union Territories does not change the number of states. The distinction between a state and a Union Territory is a key concept in Indian political science.
9. Are 29 states and 9 Union Territories true or false?
False. As of 2024, India has 28 states and 8 Union Territories. It's important to stay updated on any changes in the administrative divisions of India.
10. What is the historical reason for creating Union Territories in India?
Union Territories were created in India for various reasons. Some were strategically important areas, while others represented regions with unique administrative requirements. This includes areas that were previously under colonial rule or those requiring special attention due to their demographics or geographical features. The number and boundaries of UTs have changed over time as the nation's political landscape has evolved.
