The administrative evolution of Tamil Nadu dates back to the British colonial era when the Madras Presidency was subdivided into districts for efficient governance. After India’s independence, the state of Tamil Nadu was formed in 1956 and renamed in 1969 from Madras State. Initially, there were only 13 Districts of Tamil Nadu, but with the increasing population and administrative needs, several new districts were carved out over the years. The most recent district reorganization occurred in 2019, when new districts like Tenkasi, Kallakurichi, and Chengalpattu were created.
Districts of Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu, located in the southern part of India, is known for its cultural richness, economic growth, and efficient administrative system. The state is divided into multiple districts, each functioning as a key administrative unit. Each district is headed by a District Collector, supported by revenue and police officials. These Districts of Tamil Nadu play a vital role in implementing government schemes, managing public services, and maintaining law and order. As of 2024, there are 38 Districts of Tamil Nadu, spread across coastal plains, hilly regions, and fertile river valleys.
List of Districts of Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu currently comprises a total of 38 districts. Each district is administered by a District Collector, typically an officer from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), who is responsible for overseeing governance and development activities. To ensure efficient administration and service delivery, the districts are further divided into subdivisions, municipalities, and development blocks. These administrative divisions facilitate better governance and help in implementing government schemes effectively across the state. Below is an overview of List of Districts of Tamil Nadu, including their administrative and demographic details.
List of Districts of Tamil Nadu | ||||
S.No | District | Headquarters | Area (km²) | Population (2011) |
1 | Ariyalur | Ariyalur | 1,940 | 754,894 |
2 | Chengalpattu | Chengalpattu | 2,944.96 | 2,556,244 |
3 | Chennai | Chennai | 178.2 | 4,681,087 |
4 | Coimbatore | Coimbatore | 4,723 | 4,224,107 |
5 | Cuddalore | Cuddalore | 3,678 | 2,280,530 |
6 | Dharmapuri | Dharmapuri | 4,497.77 | 2,833,252 |
7 | Dindigul | Dindigul | 6,266.64 | 1,918,960 |
8 | Erode | Erode | 5,706 | 2,250,085 |
9 | Kallakurichi | Kallakurichi | 3,520.37 | 1,370,281 |
10 | Kancheepuram | Kancheepuram | 1,655.94 | 1,166,401 |
11 | Kanniyakumari | Nagercoil | 1,672 | 1,669,763 |
12 | Karur | Karur | 2,895.57 | 933,791 |
13 | Krishnagiri | Krishnagiri | 5,143 | 1,883,731 |
14 | Madurai | Madurai | 3,892 | 1,560,893 |
15 | Mayiladuthurai | Mayiladuthurai | 3,702.82 | 2,095,902 |
16 | Nagapattinam | Nagapattinam | 2,715.83 | 1,487,055 |
17 | Namakkal | Namakkal | 3,876.05 | 2,030,984 |
18 | The Nilgiris | Udagamandalam | 2,452.50 | 764,826 |
19 | Perambalur | Perambalur | 1,757.15 | 520,950 |
20 | Pudukottai | Pudukkottai | 4,651 | 1,482,090 |
21 | Ramanathapuram | Ramanathapuram | 4,120.80 | 1,334,779 |
22 | Ranipet | Ranipet | 2,230.65 | 1,630,236 |
23 | Salem | Salem | 5,205 | 2,992,754 |
24 | Sivagangai | Sivagangai | 4,086 | 13,39,101 |
25 | Tenkasi | Tenkasi | 2916.13 | 14,07,627 |
26 | Thanjavur | Thanjavur | 3,396.57 | 2,216,138 |
27 | Theni | Theni | 3,066 | 1,094,724 |
28 | Thiruvallur | Thiruvallur | 3,422.43 | 3,728,104 |
29 | Thiruvarur | Thiruvarur | 2,161 | 1,165,213 |
30 | Thoothukudi | Thoothukudi | 4,621 | 1,565,743 |
31 | Tiruchirappalli | Tiruchirappalli | 4,407 | 2,388,831 |
32 | Thirunelveli | Thirunelveli | 3,842.37 | 1,665,253 |
33 | Tirupathur | Tirupattur | 1,792.92 | 1,111,812 |
34 | Tiruppur | Tiruppur | 5,186.34 | 1,917,033 |
35 | Tiruvannamalai | Tiruvannamalai | 6,191 | 2,181,853 |
36 | Vellore | Vellore | 2,608.27 | 2,604,709 |
37 | Viluppuram | Viluppuram | 7,217 | 2,203,160 |
38 | Virudhunagar | Virudhunagar | 4,279 | 1,847,585 |
District in Tamil Nadu Administrative Structure
In Tamil Nadu, each District in Tamil Nadu is further divided into smaller administrative units known as subdivisions. These subdivisions are designed to enhance the efficiency of governance and ensure smooth coordination of local affairs. It is also responsible for the effective delivery of essential public services such as healthcare, education, and social welfare programs, thereby strengthening administrative reach and public service accessibility across the state.
District in Tamil Nadu Administrative Structure | |
Revenue Division | 87 |
Municipal Corporations | 15 |
Taluks | 310 |
Municipalities | 121 |
Blocks | 385 |
Village Panchayats | 12,618 |
Town Panchayats | 528 |
Largest District of Tamil Nadu
The Largest District of Tamil Nadu in terms of area is Viluppuram. Spanning around 7,194 square kilometers, it is located in the northeastern part of the state. Viluppuram is known for its agricultural activities, historical temples, and growing industrial areas. Despite its vast size, the district maintains a balanced mix of rural and semi-urban regions and plays a vital role in the socio-economic structure of Tamil Nadu.
Smallest District of Tamil Nadu
The Smallest District of Tamil Nadu by area is Chennai, which is also the capital city of the state. It covers an area of approximately 426 square kilometers. Despite being the smallest in terms of area, Chennai is the most urbanized and populous district. It serves as the political, cultural, and economic hub of Tamil Nadu, housing the state’s administrative offices, corporate headquarters, and renowned educational institutions.
Districts of Tamil Nadu Map
The Districts of Tamil Nadu Map illustrates the territorial boundaries and locations of all 38 districts. The district-wise map is regularly updated by the Tamil Nadu State Government and Survey of India. It highlights key details such as district headquarters, rivers, highways, and border sharing with neighboring states like Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
Districts of Tamil Nadu FAQs
Q1. How many districts are there in Tamil Nadu in 2024?+
Q2. Which is the largest district in Tamil Nadu by area?+
Q3. Which is the smallest district in Tamil Nadu?+
Q4. When was the last major district reorganization in Tamil Nadu?+
Q5. Which district has the highest population in Tamil Nadu?+