How Many States Are There in India? Name Them with Their Capital

How many states in India name them with capital is a common question among school students and parents checking updated GK or exam syllabi. As of now, India has 28 states, and this count is official and up to date.

This number became final after the 2019 reorganisation, when the state structure of India was revised. Since then, there has been no further change in the total number of states.

For exams and textbooks, students should always remember that 28 states is the correct answer today. Learning the correct Indian states name list helps avoid confusion, especially when older books or online sources show outdated information.

Complete List of 28 States of India with Capitals

This list is important for school exams, GK tests, and competitive exams.
Many students and parents look for a clear and updated list of 28 states of India with capital to avoid confusion caused by old textbooks or online sources.

Below is the official and exam-ready state list in India, arranged in alphabetical order for easy learning and quick revision. Students are advised to memorise the Indian states name and their capitals exactly as given here.

States and Capitals of India – Important Exam Notes

Students often lose marks in exams due to small factual mistakes related to the states and capitals of India. These short notes are meant to clear common doubts and help students remember the correct information with confidence.

States with More Than One Capital

Some Indian states use different capitals for different seasons, mainly due to climate and administrative convenience.

• Maharashtra has Mumbai as its main capital, but some government sessions are also held in Nagpur during specific periods.
• Himachal Pradesh has Shimla as the summer capital and Dharamshala as the winter capital.

For exams, students should remember both names clearly and use them only where asked.

Why Some Books Still Mention 29 States

Many older books and websites still show 29 states, which is no longer correct. This happens because they were published before the latest changes in India’s state structure.

Students should always follow the current official list of Indian states name, which clearly mentions 28 states. Parents are advised to guide children to use updated sources, especially while preparing for school exams and competitive tests.

Union Territories and Their Capitals (For GK Clarity)

Many students get confused between states and Union Territories, which often leads to mistakes in exams. As of now, India has 8 Union Territories, and they are different from states in how they are governed.

A simple way to understand this is that states have their own elected governments, while Union Territories are mainly administered by the Central Government. Some Union Territories do have limited legislative powers, but for exams, this basic difference is enough.

Knowing the correct union territories and capitals is important for school exams, GK quizzes, and competitive tests. Parents can help children by ensuring they learn this list separately from the states.

Students should remember that Union Territories are counted separately from states. Mixing the two can lead to incorrect answers, especially in objective-type questions where accuracy matters most.

Difference Between States and Union Territories in India

Understanding the difference between states and Union Territories is important for Class 6-8 students, as this topic is often asked in school exams and GK tests.

States have their own elected government. They can make laws on many subjects related to education, health, and local administration. This gives states more control over their day-to-day decisions.

Union Territories are mainly governed by the Central Government. Some Union Territories have a local assembly, but their powers are limited compared to states. Major decisions are taken at the national level.

For exams, students must remember that states and Union Territories are counted separately. Parents can help children by explaining this difference early, as it helps avoid confusion in objective questions and short answers.

Why Knowing States and Capitals Is Important for Students

Learning the state and capital of India is a basic requirement for every student, especially from middle school onwards. This topic is regularly asked in school exams, short-answer questions, and objective tests.

A clear understanding also helps in Olympiads, CUET foundation exams, and SSC-level preparation, where GK accuracy matters. Many quiz rounds and interviews include direct questions from this area.

Parents can support children by encouraging regular revision instead of last-minute memorising. When students know their states and capitals clearly, they feel more confident and make fewer mistakes in competitive and classroom assessments.

FAQs on States and Capitals of India

Q. How many states are there in India in 2025?

As of 2025, India has 28 states. This number is official and has not changed in recent years. Students should follow this count for all exams and assignments.

Q. Are there 28 or 29 states in India?

The correct answer is 28 states. Some books and websites still mention 29 because they use outdated information. For exams, always trust the latest official data.

Q. Which Indian states have two capitals?

Some states use different capitals for different seasons. For example, Himachal Pradesh has Shimla in summer and Dharamshala in winter. Such details are usually asked in GK or higher-level exams.

Q. How many union territories are there in India?

India currently has 8 Union Territories, each administered differently from states. Students should remember that Union Territories are counted separately in exams.

Q. Is this list valid for school exams and competitive exams?

Yes. This updated information answers questions like how many states in India name them with capital, making it suitable for school exams, Olympiads, and foundation-level competitive tests. Parents can rely on this list for accurate revision support.