Direct Answer: As of 2026, India comprises 28 States and 8 Union Territories (UTs). The count became 8 following the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 (which bifurcated J&K into two UTs: J&K and Ladakh) and the merger of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu into a single Union Territory on January 26, 2020.
Updated List of 8 Union Territories of India
| S.No. |
Union Territory |
Capital |
Legislative Assembly? |
Administrative Head |
| 1 |
Andaman and Nicobar Islands |
Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram) |
No |
Lieutenant Governor |
| 2 |
Chandigarh |
Chandigarh |
No |
Administrator (Governor of Punjab acts ex-officio) |
| 3 |
Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu |
Daman |
No |
Administrator |
| 4 |
Delhi (National Capital Territory) |
New Delhi |
Yes (Article 239AA) |
Lieutenant Governor & Chief Minister |
| 5 |
Jammu and Kashmir |
Srinagar (Summer), Jammu (Winter) |
Yes |
Lieutenant Governor & Chief Minister |
| 6 |
Ladakh |
Leh (Summer), Kargil (Winter) |
No |
Lieutenant Governor |
| 7 |
Lakshadweep |
Kavaratti |
No |
Administrator |
| 8 |
Puducherry |
Puducherry |
Yes (Article 239A) |
Lieutenant Governor & Chief Minister |
Key Constitutional Facts on Union Territories
- Part VIII (Articles 239 to 241) of the Constitution deals with the administration of Union Territories.
- Every Union Territory is administered by the President of India acting through an administrator appointed by him (called a Lieutenant Governor, Chief Commissioner, or Administrator).
- Only 3 Union Territories have Legislative Assemblies: Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu & Kashmir.
- Largest UT by Area: Ladakh (59,146 sq km).
- Smallest UT by Area: Lakshadweep (32 sq km).
- Most Populous UT: Delhi (NCT).
