28 States or 29? How Many States and UTs India Has Now
How many states does India have?If you said 29, you are not alone. That was the right answer a few years ago, and many old GK books still print it.
But today, India has 28 states and 8 Union Territories, a total of 36. The Government of India's Local Government Directory shows the same count of 36 States and UTs.
So What Changed?
Two big changes happened.31 October 2019: The state of Jammu and Kashmir was reorganised into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, with a legislature, and Ladakh, without a legislature. States went from 29 to 28.
26 January 2020: Two Union Territories, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, were merged into one. With the two new UTs added and two merged into one, the UT count settled at 8.
As of October 2026, Jammu and Kashmir remains a Union Territory.
Which Are the 8 Union Territories?
Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Lakshadweep and Puducherry.Out of these, three have their own legislative assemblies: Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir and Puducherry.
Quick Facts
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| States | 28 |
| Union Territories | 8 |
| J&K and Ladakh became UTs | 31 October 2019 |
| DNH and Daman & Diu merged | 26 January 2020 |
| UTs with a legislature | Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Puducherry |
Test Yourself
1. How many states does India have as of October 2026?(A) 27 (B) 28 (C) 29 (D) 30
2. Which of these is a Union Territory without a legislature?
(A) Delhi (B) Puducherry (C) Ladakh (D) Jammu and Kashmir
Answers:
1. (B) 28.
2. (C) Ladakh.
India's map didn't shrink.1. (B) 28.
2. (C) Ladakh.
Its structure changed. Make sure your answers do too.
