Administrative Structure of Jharkhand: A Comprehensive Overview (Updated for 2025 Exams)

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 UnitOfficer-in-Charge
CommissioneryCommissioner
DistrictDeputy Commissioner (DC) / District Magistrate (DM)
Sub-DivisionSub-Divisional Officer (SDO)
Block/CircleBlock Development Officer (BDO) / Circle Officer (CO)

Law Enforcement Structure (Police)

LevelDesignation
StateDirector General of Police (DGP)
ZoneAdditional DGP / Inspector General (IG)
RangeDeputy Inspector General (DIG)
DistrictSuperintendent of Police (SP)
Sub-DivisionDeputy Superintendent of Police (DSP/SDPO)
Block/Police StationSub Inspector (SI) / Thana-in-Charge
OthersASI, Hawaldar, Constable

Administrative Divisions (Commissioneries)

Jharkhand is divided into 5 administrative divisions:

  1. North Chotanagpur (Hazaribagh)
  2. South Chotanagpur (Ranchi)
  3. Santhal Pargana (Dumka)
  4. Palamu (Medininagar)
  5. 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)

DivisionDistrictsSubdivisionsBlocks
North Chotanagpur71372
South Chotanagpur50950
Santhal Pargana61353
Palamu30651
Kolhan30638
Total (Jharkhand)2447264

🟊 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 NameHeadquarters
PalamuMedininagar ⭐
East SinghbhumJamshedpur ⭐
West SinghbhumChaibasa ⭐
Seraikela-KharsawanSeraikela ⭐

Police Hierarchy in Jharkhand

  1. DGP (Director General of Police) – Head of the state police
  2. ADG / IG / DIG – Zonal, range-level officers
  3. SP (Superintendent of Police) – District-level police head
  4. DSP / SDPO – Sub-divisional police officer
  5. 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

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