Districts of West Bengal, Complete List with Formation Year & Population

West Bengal is a state in eastern India, which is divided into 23 districts, each playing a unique role in economic and administrative development. The formation of these districts has taken place over time due to political and administrative changes. Initially, during British rule, districts like Kolkata and  Howrah were key centers. After independence, the need for better governance and regional development led to the creation of new districts by reorganizing larger ones. Today, these districts are grouped under five divisions: Presidency, Jalpaiguri, Burdwan, Malda, and Medinipur, each helping streamline state governance.

Districts of West Bengal

West Bengal is divided into five administrative divisions for better governance: Presidency, Jalpaiguri, Burdwan, Malda, and Midnapore. The Presidency Division includes urban districts like Kolkata and Howrah, which are the economic backbone of the state. Jalpaiguri Division is popular for its hill stations and tea gardens, similarly, Malda Division also focuses on agriculture, especially mango and jute farming. Burdwan Division is known for its industrial and mineral-rich area,s and lastly, Medinipur Division includes coastal and tribal regions, which are rich in culture and natural resources.

List of Districts of West Bengal

West Bengal was originally part of the Bengal Presidency under British rule.  After India’s independence in 1947, Bengal was divided along religious lines, as  East Bengal became East Pakistan, which is now known as  Bangladesh now and West Bengal remained a part of India. Over the years, the state’s boundaries were adjusted, and till now, 23 districts have been formed to improve the administration of the state. Below we have shared a List of Districts of West Bengal, their year of formation, and population.

Also Read: Districts of Sikkim

Largest District of West Bengal

South 24 Parganas is the Largest District in West Bengal by area, covering around  9,960 km². It lies to the south of Kolkata and is known for its unique mix of urban zones and rural villages. The district is rich in biodiversity and has a strong cultural presence with agriculture, and is especially known for the vast mangrove forests of the Sundarbans, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it one of the most ecologically and geographically diverse districts in the state.

Also Read: Chief Ministers of West Bengal

Smallest District of West Bengal

The Smallest District of West Bengal by area is Kolkata, covering around 185 km². As the state capital, Kolkata is a major urban center for the economic and political activities of West Bengal. Despite its small size, Kolkata is densely populated and is known for its rich history, colonial architecture, including its role in India’s independence movement. The city is also an important center for trade, commerce, and education in eastern India.