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Indian States Formation Dates, Complete List

Indian states formation dates show important moments in how India organized its states. Check the complete list of Union Territories and Indian states formation dates here.
authorImageDeeksha Dixit18 Sept, 2025
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Indian States Formation Dates, Complete List

Indian States Formation Dates: India is a vast and diverse nation of 28 states and 8 Union Territories (UT), with each state having a rich history and unique culture. The formation of Indian states, as we know them today, was a long process influenced by cultural, linguistic, and administrative reasons. Knowledge of Indian states formation dates is crucial for aspirants preparing for exams like UPSC.

Indian states formation date gives an idea of the historical timeline of India's development and regional history. Keep reading to learn more about the formation dates of Indian states and Union Territories.

Formation of Indian States and Union Territories

The formation of Indian states and union territories has been an evolving process that started after India gained independence from British rule in 1947. At the time of independence, India was divided into over 565 princely states and 17 provinces , which were integrated into the country under the leadership of Sardar Vallabbhai Patel and his Secretary V.P. Menon by 1948. Later in when the Indian constitution was being crafted in 1949, the First Schedule of the Constitution organized territories into:
  • Part A : Former Governors' provinces.
  • Part B: Former Princely States or groups of Princely States.
  • Part C: Territories managed by commissioners appointed by the President.
  • Part D: Andaman and Nicobar Islands
However, linguistic and cultural aspirations soon demanded further reorganization, leading to the creation of new states. The first significant step in this process came with the States Reorganization Act of 1956. The formation of Indian states has continued even in recent decades, with the latest state being Telangana , which was formed in 2014.

States Reorganization Act of 1956

One of the most significant steps in the reorganization of Indian states was the States Reorganization Act of 1956 . This act was passed to address the demand for states based on linguistic lines following the formation of Andhra for Telugu-speaking people in 1953 . The act replaced the previous structure with the creation of 14 states and 6 union territories :
Indian States and Union Territories (1956)
States Assam, Bihar, Bombay, Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala, Madras (renamed Tamil Nadu in 1969), Madhya Pradesh, Mysore (renamed as Karnataka in 1973), Orissa, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
Union Territories Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Delhi, Manipur, Tripura, Himachal Pradesh, Laccadive, Minicoy and Amindivi Islands.
The process continued after the 1956 Act, with further reorganizations to accommodate various linguistic, cultural, and administrative needs. Subsequent states were formed, and existing states underwent boundary changes with the latest being in 2019 .

Indian States Formation Dates List

The formation of Indian states is a dynamic process that has taken place over decades. Below is a table of the Indian states formation dates in chronological order:
List of Indian States Formation Dates
State Name Formation Date Formed By Previous Status Significance
Andhra Pradesh 1 November 1953 Linguistic Reorganization Part of Madras State First linguistic state
Karnataka 1 November 1956 States Reorganization Act (SRA 1956) Part of Mysore State Created to incorporate Kannada-speaking areas.
Kerala 1 November 1956 SRA 1956 Part of Travancore-Cochin Unified several regions for the Malayali population.
Maharashtra 1 May 1960 Bombay Reorganisation Act Part of Bombay State Established for Marathi speakers following the Samyukta Maharashtra movement
Gujarat 1 May 1960 Bombay Reorganisation Act Part of Bombay State Formed from Gujarati-speaking areas due to the Mahagujarat movement
Nagaland 1 December 1963 Nagaland Act Part of Assam Recognized the rights of the Naga people and their unique culture
Punjab 1 November 1966 Punjab Reorganisation Act Part of Punjab State Created to represent Punjabi-speaking populations after the Punjabi Suba movement
Haryana 1 November 1966 Punjab Reorganisation Act Part of Punjab State Established to cater to Hindi-speaking residents in the former Punjab region.
Himachal Pradesh 25 January 1971 Himachal Pradesh Act Union territory till 1971 Recognized the distinct cultural identity of the region establishing a full-fledged state
Manipur 21 January 1972 North Eastern Region (Reorganisation) Act, 1971 Union Territory Acknowledged the aspirations of the Manipuri people
Meghalaya 21 January 1972 North Eastern Region (Reorganisation) Act, 1971 Union Territory Cater to Garo and Khasi ethnic groups
Tripura 21 January 1972 North Eastern Region (Reorganisation) Act, 1971 Union Territory Recognized the rights and identity of the Tripuri people
Sikkim 16 May 1975 Constitution (36th Amendment) Act of 1975 Formerly a Kingdom Grant statehood to the “associate state” of Sikkim after referendum
Mizoram 20 February 1987 Mizoram Accord Union Territory Established to address ethnic identity and local governance issues
Arunachal Pradesh 20 February 1987 Arunachal Pradesh Act 1986 Union Territory Converted the North-East Frontier Agency into the state due to strategic importance
Goa 30 May 1987 Goa, Daman, and Diu Reorganisation Act Union Territory Achieved statehood after liberation from Portuguese rule in 1961
Jharkhand 15 November 2000 Bihar Reorganisation Act Part of Bihar Addressed local governance challenges and development issues.
Chhattisgarh 1 November 2000 Madhya Pradesh Reorganisation Act Part of Madhya Pradesh Aimed at improving local administration and addressing regional disparities.
Uttarakhand 9 November 2000 Uttar Pradesh Reorganisation Act Part of Uttar Pradesh Address unique developmental needs in the Uttaranchal region.
Telangana 2 June 2014 Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act Part of Andhra Pradesh Established after a long struggle for identity and self-governance.

List of Union Territories Formation Dates

Union Territories (UTs) in India are regions that are governed directly by the Central Government rather than having their own state governments. India's union territories were created for various reasons, including administrative convenience, geographical factors, and cultural considerations. Some of these territories have been converted into states , while two new ones were created in Jammu and Kashmir. Below is a table of union territories and their formation dates:
Union Territories Formation Dates
Union Territories Formation Date Formed By Status Before Foundation
Andaman and Nicobar Islands 1 November 1956 States Reorganisation Act of 1956 Previously British-controlled territory later Part D state
Delhi 1 November 1956 SRA of 1956 Part C state in the first schedule of the Indian Constitution
Lakshadweep 1 November 1956 SRA of 1956 Part of Madras state
Chandigarh 1 November 1966 Punjab Reorganisation Act Part of the East Punjab
Puducherry 1 July 1963 Integration of French Territories Formerly French colonies
Jammu & Kashmir 31 October 2019 Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act Formerly a special state with autonomy
Ladakh 31 October 2019 Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act Previously part of Jammu & Kashmir
Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu 26 January 2020 Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (Merger of Union Territories) Act, 2019 Separate UTs of Daman and Diu (30 May 1987) and Dadra and Nagar Haveli (11 August 1961)
The formation of Indian states and union territories has shaped the country's political, cultural, and administrative landscape. For UPSC aspirants, understanding these formation dates and their historical significance is crucial for both prelims and mains examinations. Are you preparing for UPSC and want to excel in the 2025 exam? Join PW UPSC Courses and get access to high-quality study materials, expert guidance, test series, and more. Enroll now to start your journey toward success!
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Indian States Formation Dates FAQs

Which state of India formed first?

The first state to be formed in India after independence was Andhra Pradesh, created on 1 November 1953.

What was the first Indian state formed based on language?

Andhra Pradesh was the first state formed based on language in 1953, following demands for a Telugu-speaking state.

When did Telangana become a separate state?

Telangana was officially formed on June 2, 2014, separating from Andhra Pradesh.

How many Indian states were formed after independence?

India has 28 states and 8 union territories, several of which were formed post-independence through reorganization and demands for linguistic or regional identities.

What is the latest state formed in India?

Telangana, which was formed in 2014, is the latest state to be created in India.
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