India is not just made up of states but also union territories. Knowing the 8 union territories of India, their capitals, and official languages gives a broader view of how the country is governed. These territories are administered directly by the Central Government, though some have limited legislative powers.
Complete List of Union Territories in India
Here’s a list of 8 union territories of India with their capitals and official languages:
| S. No. | Union Territory | Capital(s) | Official Language(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andaman and Nicobar Islands | Port Blair | Hindi, English |
| 2 | Chandigarh | Chandigarh | Hindi, English, Punjabi |
| 3 | Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu | Daman | Gujarati, Hindi, English |
| 4 | Delhi (NCT) | New Delhi | Hindi, English |
| 5 | Jammu and Kashmir | Srinagar (Summer), Jammu (Winter) | Urdu, Hindi, English |
| 6 | Ladakh | Leh | Ladakhi, Hindi, English |
| 7 | Lakshadweep | Kavaratti | Malayalam, Jeseri, English |
| 8 | Puducherry | Puducherry | Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, English |
Related resource: 28 States of India and Their Capitals and Languages
Indian Union Territories with Legislative Assemblies
Three union territories — Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, and Puducherry — are designated to have elected legislative assemblies. While Delhi and Puducherry currently function with their assemblies, Jammu and Kashmir’s assembly is currently dissolved (as of 2025), and the territory is under President’s Rule administered through the Lieutenant Governor. In all three, the central government retains overriding powers, especially in areas like public order, police, and land.
Union Territories without Legislative Assemblies
The remaining five UTs — Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Ladakh, and Lakshadweep are governed by administrators appointed by the President of India. These UTs are directly managed by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Know More About the 8 Union Territories of India
Union Territories (UTs) are governed directly by the Central Government of India and play a vital role in administration, security, and regional diversity.
1. Delhi (National Capital Territory)
Delhi is the capital of India and a major center for politics, commerce, and culture. It is the only UT with a high level of autonomy through its own legislative assembly and Chief Minister, though key powers such as police and land remain with the central government.
The city is known for historical landmarks like the Red Fort, India Gate, and Qutub Minar. Delhi also has a booming economy driven by IT, retail, trade, and education sectors, and serves as the diplomatic hub for international missions.
2. Puducherry
Puducherry, also known as Pondicherry, was once a French colony and still carries visible traces of French architecture and culture. It has a legislative assembly and partial statehood, allowing local governance under a Chief Minister.
The UT comprises four unconnected districts—Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam—spread across different states. Its economy is supported by tourism, handlooms, small-scale industries, and education. The official languages include Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and French.
3. Jammu and Kashmir
Formed in 2019 after the reorganization of the former state, Jammu and Kashmir is a union territory with a provision for an elected assembly. However, the assembly is currently not operational, and the region is under the control of a Lieutenant Governor.
Jammu is known for religious tourism including Vaishno Devi temple, while Kashmir Valley is famous for its natural beauty, crafts, and horticulture. The region holds strategic importance and shares international borders with Pakistan and China.
4. Ladakh
Ladakh was carved out from Jammu and Kashmir as a separate UT in 2019. It is administered directly by the central government through a Lieutenant Governor and has no legislative assembly.
The UT includes two main districts: Leh and Kargil. Ladakh is known for its Buddhist monasteries, scenic landscapes, and adventure tourism. It also plays a key strategic role due to its location near international borders.
5. Chandigarh
Chandigarh serves as the capital of both Punjab and Haryana but is itself a separate union territory. It is governed by an Administrator appointed by the President of India.
Famous for its modern urban planning by architect Le Corbusier, Chandigarh is one of the cleanest and most organized cities in India. It is a center for education, healthcare, and government services, with Hindi, Punjabi, and English as official languages.
6. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
This UT is a group of islands located in the Bay of Bengal. It is administered by a Lieutenant Governor and does not have a legislative assembly.
The islands are rich in biodiversity and play a vital role in maritime security. Port Blair is the capital, and the region is known for historical sites like the Cellular Jail, pristine beaches, and tribal communities. Hindi and English are the official languages.
7. Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep is the smallest union territory in terms of area and population. It is a group of 36 coral islands located in the Arabian Sea and governed by an Administrator.
Kavaratti is the capital of Lakshadweep. The local population primarily speaks Malayalam and Jeseri. Fishing, coconut cultivation, and tourism are the main economic activities. The UT is also ecologically sensitive and holds great environmental importance.
8. Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu
This UT was formed in 2020 after merging two earlier UTs. It is governed by an Administrator and has no legislative assembly.
Daman serves as the capital. The region is known for its Portuguese colonial history, coastal tourism, and industrial development. Gujarati, Hindi, and English are widely spoken. The area benefits from a strong manufacturing sector, especially in textiles and electronics.
Each union territory contributes uniquely to India’s governance, economy, and cultural fabric while functioning under central administration.
Language Diversity in Indian Union Territories
Union territories represent a mix of languages from different regions:
- Delhi and Chandigarh
Use Hindi and English primarily. - Puducherry
Reflects southern linguistic diversity—Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam. - Ladakh
Uses Ladakhi and Hindi, with strong Buddhist cultural influences. - Lakshadweep
Malayalam and Jeseri, a dialect spoken in the region. - Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu
Gujarati is widely used. - Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Hindi and English are the primary official languages.
Amazing Fatcs for Kids!
Final Thought
Knowing the 8 Union Territories of India and Their Capitals and Languages helps in understanding the full administrative map of India. Each UT plays a unique role in governance, economy, and culture. From the capital-driven governance in Delhi to the serene landscapes of Lakshadweep and Ladakh, every union territory adds to India’s diversity and strategic strength.
