Understanding the administrative framework of Jharkhand is essential for aspirants preparing for JPSC, JSSC, UPSC, and other state-level examinations. This article provides a complete overview of the state’s divisions, districts, blocks, sub-divisions, and law enforcement hierarchy based on frequently asked questions in previous competitive exams.
Key Administrative Units in Jharkhand
State-Level Administration
- Chief Secretary: The top-most administrative officer of the state.
- Departmental Secretaries: Head individual departments.
- Special / Additional / Joint / Deputy / Under Secretaries: Assist the departmental functioning.
Administrative Hierarchy (Civil)
| Administrative Unit | Officer-in-Charge |
|---|---|
| Commissionery | Commissioner |
| District | Deputy Commissioner (DC) / District Magistrate (DM) |
| Sub-Division | Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) |
| Block/Circle | Block Development Officer (BDO) / Circle Officer (CO) |
Law Enforcement Structure (Police)
| Level | Designation |
|---|---|
| State | Director General of Police (DGP) |
| Zone | Additional DGP / Inspector General (IG) |
| Range | Deputy Inspector General (DIG) |
| District | Superintendent of Police (SP) |
| Sub-Division | Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP/SDPO) |
| Block/Police Station | Sub Inspector (SI) / Thana-in-Charge |
| Others | ASI, Hawaldar, Constable |
Administrative Divisions (Commissioneries)
Jharkhand is divided into 5 administrative divisions:
- North Chotanagpur (Hazaribagh)
- South Chotanagpur (Ranchi)
- Santhal Pargana (Dumka)
- Palamu (Medininagar)
- Kolhan (Chaibasa)
Districts of Jharkhand by Division
North Chotanagpur Division (7 Districts) ⭐
- Headquarters: Hazaribagh
- Districts:
- Hazaribagh
- Giridih
- Chatra
- Dhanbad
- Koderma
- Bokaro
- Ramgarh
South Chotanagpur Division (5 Districts)
- Headquarters: Ranchi
- Districts:
- Ranchi
- Gumla
- Simdega
- Lohardaga
- Khunti
Santhal Pargana Division (6 Districts)
- Headquarters: Dumka
- Districts:
- Dumka
- Deoghar
- Godda
- Sahebganj
- Jamtara
- Pakur
Palamu Division (3 Districts)
- Headquarters: Medininagar
- Districts:
- Palamu
- Garhwa
- Latehar
Kolhan Division (3 Districts)
- Headquarters: Chaibasa
- Districts:
- West Singhbhum
- East Singhbhum
- Seraikela-Kharsawan
Subdivisions & Blocks (Important for Exams)
| Division | Districts | Subdivisions | Blocks |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Chotanagpur | 7 | 13 | 72 |
| South Chotanagpur | 5 | 09 | 50 |
| Santhal Pargana | 6 | 13 | 53 |
| Palamu | 3 | 06 | 51 |
| Kolhan | 3 | 06 | 38 |
| Total (Jharkhand) | 24 | 47 | 264 |
🟊 Frequently Asked in Exams:
- ⭐ Highest number of blocks: Palamu (21), Garhwa (20), Ranchi (18)
- ⭐ Division with most districts: North Chotanagpur (7 districts)
- ⭐ Divisions with fewest districts: Palamu & Kolhan (3 districts each)
District Headquarters – Special Notes
Most district headquarters are named after their district. However, some exceptions include:
| District Name | Headquarters |
|---|---|
| Palamu | Medininagar ⭐ |
| East Singhbhum | Jamshedpur ⭐ |
| West Singhbhum | Chaibasa ⭐ |
| Seraikela-Kharsawan | Seraikela ⭐ |
Police Hierarchy in Jharkhand
- DGP (Director General of Police) – Head of the state police
- ADG / IG / DIG – Zonal, range-level officers
- SP (Superintendent of Police) – District-level police head
- DSP / SDPO – Sub-divisional police officer
- Inspector / SI / ASI / Constable – Block to village-level law enforcement
Newly Formed Districts After State Formation (Post-2000)
- Simdega
- Seraikela-Kharsawan
- Latehar
- Jamtara
- Khunti
- Ramgarh
Why This Matters
This structure forms the backbone of governance and is often a subject of factual questions in:
- JPSC Prelims & Mains
- JSSC CGL / CCE / Primary Teacher Exams
- Railways & Banking (Regional awareness sections)
Quick Revision Highlights
- Jharkhand has 24 districts and 264 blocks
- Highest blocks: Palamu (21)
- Division with 7 districts: North Chotanagpur
- Police Head: DGP
- Civil Head of District: DC / DM
- Newly created districts post-2000: 6 districts