Districts of Arunachal Pradesh 2026: Headquarters, Area & Map
Arunachal Pradesh has 28 districts in 2026, including the two newest districts, Keyi Panyor and Bichom, created in 2024. The state has one of the most complex district geographies in Northeast India because its administration covers high Himalayan mountains, deep river valleys, densely forested hills, international border areas and sparsely populated settlements.
The capital of Arunachal Pradesh is Itanagar, which forms the headquarters of the Itanagar Capital Complex. Other important district headquarters include Tawang, Bomdila, Seppa, Ziro, Daporijo, Aalo, Pasighat, Yingkiong, Roing, Tezu, Namsai, Changlang, Khonsa and Longding.
The current district structure is closely related to the state's rugged terrain. To understand why administrative units are widely separated by mountains and river valleys, first see the detailed guide to the Physiography of Arunachal Pradesh: Himalayas, Hills, Valleys and Plains.
This article provides the complete Arunachal Pradesh district list for 2026, district headquarters, area, newest districts, largest and smallest districts, administrative evolution and map-based examination facts useful for APPSC and other competitive examinations.
Table of Contents
- Arunachal Pradesh Districts at a Glance
- How Many Districts Are There in Arunachal Pradesh?
- 28 Districts of Arunachal Pradesh with Headquarters & Area
- Arunachal Pradesh District Map
- New Districts of Arunachal Pradesh
- Keyi Panyor District
- Bichom District
- Largest District of Arunachal Pradesh
- Smallest District of Arunachal Pradesh
- Districts of Western Arunachal Pradesh
- Districts of Central Arunachal Pradesh
- Districts of Eastern Arunachal Pradesh
- History of District Formation
- Districts and Physical Geography
- Districts and Major River Basins
- International Border Districts
- District Administration
- Important Facts for APPSC & Competitive Exams
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
- References
Arunachal Pradesh Districts at a Glance
| Particular | Information |
|---|---|
| State | Arunachal Pradesh |
| Capital | Itanagar |
| Total Districts in 2026 | 28 |
| Total State Area | 83,743 sq km |
| Newest Districts | Keyi Panyor and Bichom |
| Year Newest Districts Created | 2024 |
| Largest District by Current Survey of India GIS Area | Dibang Valley |
| Capital District-level Unit | Itanagar Capital Complex |
| International Borders | Bhutan, China and Myanmar |
| Statehood | 20 February 1987 |
How Many Districts Are There in Arunachal Pradesh in 2026?
As of 2026, Arunachal Pradesh has 28 districts.
The number increased from 26 to 28 following the creation of:
- Keyi Panyor district; and
- Bichom district
in 2024.
It is important to use an updated source when studying the districts because many older books, websites and maps still show:
- 16 districts;
- 18 districts;
- 20 districts;
- 22 districts;
- 25 districts; or
- 26 districts.
These figures represent earlier administrative stages and are no longer the current total.
28 Districts of Arunachal Pradesh: Headquarters and Area
The following table presents the current Arunachal Pradesh district list with headquarters and area.
The area column primarily follows the Survey of India Digital Data Register 2025. These are modern GIS-derived administrative boundary areas and may differ from older Census figures because district boundaries have repeatedly changed. The Itanagar Capital Complex figure is approximately 200 sq km as reported by its official district administration.
| No. | District | Headquarters | Area (sq km) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anjaw | Hawai | 5,816.78 |
| 2 | Bichom | Napangphung | 1,806.40 |
| 3 | Changlang | Changlang | 4,920.70 |
| 4 | Dibang Valley | Anini | 9,284.09 |
| 5 | East Kameng | Seppa | 3,474.71 |
| 6 | East Siang | Pasighat | 1,619.90 |
| 7 | Itanagar Capital Complex | Itanagar | Approx. 200 |
| 8 | Kamle | Raga | 1,812.97 |
| 9 | Keyi Panyor | Yachuli | 1,167.50 |
| 10 | Kra Daadi | Jamin | 2,270.15 |
| 11 | Kurung Kumey | Koloriang | 4,361.03 |
| 12 | Lepa Rada | Basar | 743.14 |
| 13 | Lohit | Tezu | 2,961.62 |
| 14 | Longding | Longding | 901.49 |
| 15 | Lower Dibang Valley | Roing | 3,383.99 |
| 16 | Lower Siang | Likabali | 1,758.44 |
| 17 | Lower Subansiri | Ziro | 262.23* |
| 18 | Namsai | Namsai | 1,293.05 |
| 19 | Pakke-Kessang | Lemmi | 1,819.66 |
| 20 | Papum Pare | Yupia | 3,147.91 |
| 21 | Shi Yomi | Tato | 2,675.78 |
| 22 | Siang | Boleng | 3,328.41 |
| 23 | Tawang | Tawang | 2,374.90 |
| 24 | Tirap | Khonsa | 997.05 |
| 25 | Upper Siang | Yingkiong | 6,369.36 |
| 26 | Upper Subansiri | Daporijo | 5,750.00 |
| 27 | West Kameng | Bomdila | 3,721.81 |
| 28 | West Siang | Aalo | 1,293.62 |
Arunachal Pradesh District Map 2026
A current district map of Arunachal Pradesh should show all 28 administrative units, including the two districts created in 2024:
- Keyi Panyor; and
- Bichom.
Many older Arunachal Pradesh maps available online still show only 25 or 26 districts. Therefore, students should check the map date before using it for APPSC preparation.
Map Study Tip
While studying the district map, identify Arunachal Pradesh from west to east. Begin with Tawang and West Kameng near Bhutan, follow the Kameng-Subansiri-Siang belt through central Arunachal Pradesh, and then locate the Dibang, Lohit, Namsai, Changlang, Tirap and Longding districts towards the east and southeast.
You can also explore AAMMNEST's Northeast India Maps Library for geography maps and downloadable visual resources.
Recommended map ALT text: Map of 28 districts of Arunachal Pradesh 2026 showing Tawang, Bichom, Keyi Panyor, Itanagar Capital Complex and all district headquarters.
Recommended map title: Arunachal Pradesh District Map 2026 – 28 Districts and Headquarters
New Districts of Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh has repeatedly created new districts to improve administration across its difficult mountainous terrain.
The most recent change occurred in 2024, when two additional districts were created:
- Keyi Panyor
- Bichom
The creation of these districts increased the total number of district-level administrative units from 26 to 28.
Keyi Panyor District
Keyi Panyor was created from the former territory of Lower Subansiri district.
| District | Keyi Panyor |
| Headquarters | Yachuli |
| Created | 2024 |
| Carved from | Lower Subansiri |
| Survey of India 2025 GIS Area | 1,167.50 sq km |
Its creation was intended to bring administration closer to communities in the Yachuli-Keyi Panyor region.
Bichom District
Bichom was created from territories previously administered under East Kameng and West Kameng districts.
| District | Bichom |
| Headquarters | Napangphung |
| Created | 2024 |
| Carved from | East Kameng and West Kameng |
| Survey of India 2025 GIS Area | 1,806.40 sq km |
Napangphung is the notified district headquarters. During development of permanent headquarters infrastructure, some government functions have temporarily operated from existing administrative centres such as Nafra.
Largest District of Arunachal Pradesh
Using the current Survey of India 2025 administrative boundary dataset, Dibang Valley is the largest district of Arunachal Pradesh by area.
Its mapped area is approximately:
9,284.09 sq km
Dibang Valley is one of India's most sparsely populated mountainous districts and contains:
- high Himalayan terrain;
- deep valleys;
- the Dibang River system;
- dense forests;
- high-altitude environments; and
- extensive international border areas.
Its headquarters is Anini.
Smallest District of Arunachal Pradesh
The answer depends on whether the Itanagar Capital Complex is included as a district-level administrative unit.
The official Itanagar Capital Complex district administration reports an area of approximately 200 sq km, making it the smallest district-level administrative unit by area.
Within the Survey of India 2025 district boundary series excluding the separately administered Capital Complex, Lower Subansiri has the smallest mapped area, approximately 262.23 sq km, after successive district reorganisations.
This distinction is important because older examination books frequently identify Tawang as the smallest district using older boundaries. That answer should not automatically be applied to the 2026 administrative map.
Districts of Western Arunachal Pradesh
Western Arunachal Pradesh includes the Himalayan and foothill landscapes adjoining Bhutan and the western part of Assam.
Important districts include:
- Tawang;
- West Kameng;
- Bichom;
- East Kameng;
- Pakke-Kessang;
- Papum Pare;
- Itanagar Capital Complex;
- Lower Subansiri;
- Keyi Panyor;
- Kurung Kumey;
- Kra Daadi;
- Kamle; and
- Upper Subansiri.
Tawang and West Kameng contain some of Arunachal Pradesh's best-known high Himalayan landscapes, including mountain passes, monasteries and high-altitude valleys.
Districts of Central Arunachal Pradesh
Central Arunachal Pradesh is strongly influenced by the Subansiri and Siang river systems.
Major districts include:
- West Siang;
- Lepa Rada;
- Lower Siang;
- Siang;
- East Siang;
- Upper Siang; and
- Shi Yomi.
Important headquarters include:
- Aalo;
- Basar;
- Likabali;
- Boleng;
- Pasighat;
- Yingkiong; and
- Tato.
Districts of Eastern Arunachal Pradesh
Eastern Arunachal Pradesh includes the Dibang, Lohit and eastern hill regions adjoining China and Myanmar.
The main districts are:
- Dibang Valley;
- Lower Dibang Valley;
- Lohit;
- Anjaw;
- Namsai;
- Changlang;
- Tirap; and
- Longding.
This region contains:
- high Himalayan border terrain;
- deep river valleys;
- tropical and subtropical forests;
- foothill plains;
- Patkai-related hill systems; and
- important cultural landscapes.
Namsai is especially accessible from Upper Assam and has become an important cultural-tourism destination. For travel geography, read the Namsai Travel Guide: Places, Itinerary, Resorts & Summer Tips.
History of District Formation in Arunachal Pradesh
The current 28-district structure developed gradually from the much simpler administrative organisation of the former North-East Frontier Agency.
| Year | Important Administrative Change |
|---|---|
| 1965 | Kameng, Subansiri, Siang, Lohit and Tirap functioned as the principal districts. |
| 1980 | Major reorganisation created districts such as East Kameng, West Kameng, Lower Subansiri, Upper Subansiri, East Siang, West Siang and Dibang Valley. |
| 1984 | Tawang district created. |
| 1987 | Changlang became a district; Arunachal Pradesh also attained full statehood on 20 February 1987. |
| 1992 | Papum Pare district created. |
| 1994 | Upper Siang district created. |
| 2001 | Kurung Kumey and Lower Dibang Valley created. |
| 2004 | Anjaw district created from Lohit. |
| 2012 | Longding created from Tirap. |
| 2014 | Namsai created from Lohit. |
| 2015 | Kra Daadi and Siang added to the district structure. |
| 2017 | Lower Siang and Kamle created. |
| 2018 | Pakke-Kessang, Lepa Rada and Shi Yomi created. |
| 2024 | Keyi Panyor and Bichom created, increasing the total to 28. |
The wider political evolution of the state—from the former NEFA administration to Union Territory and finally statehood—is explained in Formation of Northeastern States: Years & Timeline After 1947.
Districts and Physical Geography of Arunachal Pradesh
The boundaries and accessibility of Arunachal Pradesh districts cannot be understood without considering its rugged physical geography.
Most districts contain:
- steep slopes;
- deep valleys;
- narrow river corridors;
- dense forests;
- high mountain ridges; and
- widely dispersed settlements.
The state rises from foothill areas bordering Assam to extremely high Himalayan mountains along the northern frontier.
The major physiographic zones include:
- Greater or Higher Himalaya;
- Lesser Himalaya;
- Sub-Himalayan or Siwalik foothills;
- eastern hill systems; and
- limited foothill plains.
For a full explanation, see Physiography of Arunachal Pradesh.
Districts and Major River Basins
The district geography of Arunachal Pradesh is strongly organised around major north-to-south river valleys.
| Major River System | Important Districts |
|---|---|
| Kameng | Tawang, West Kameng, Bichom, East Kameng and Pakke-Kessang region |
| Subansiri | Lower Subansiri, Keyi Panyor, Kamle, Kra Daadi, Kurung Kumey and Upper Subansiri |
| Siang | Shi Yomi, Upper Siang, Siang, West Siang, Lower Siang and East Siang |
| Dibang | Dibang Valley and Lower Dibang Valley |
| Lohit | Anjaw and Lohit |
| Noa-Dihing and Eastern Tributaries | Namsai and Changlang |
| Tirap-Patkai Drainage | Tirap, Changlang and Longding |
These river systems eventually contribute to the larger Brahmaputra drainage network. See the regional overview of the Major Rivers of Northeast India.
International Border Districts of Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh occupies a strategically important location because it shares international boundaries with:
- Bhutan in the west;
- China along the northern and northeastern frontier; and
- Myanmar in the east.
Bhutan Border Region
Tawang and West Kameng form major parts of the western international frontier.
China Border Region
Several northern districts extend towards the international boundary, including high-altitude districts associated with the Kameng, Subansiri, Siang, Dibang and Lohit systems.
Myanmar Border Region
Eastern districts such as Changlang and adjoining Patkai-region districts form part of the India-Myanmar frontier landscape.
The location of these mountain systems can be understood through Hills & Mountain Ranges of Northeast India.
District Administration in Arunachal Pradesh
A district is the principal field-level administrative unit of the state.
District administration is generally headed by a Deputy Commissioner.
Below district level, Arunachal Pradesh uses administrative units such as:
- Additional Deputy Commissioner headquarters;
- Sub-Divisional Officer headquarters;
- Extra Assistant Commissioner headquarters;
- Circles; and
- Blocks.
This structure is particularly important because settlements are often dispersed across difficult mountainous terrain.
Why New Districts Are Created
New districts can improve:
- access to government services;
- administrative supervision;
- law and order;
- development planning;
- road and infrastructure coordination;
- delivery of welfare schemes; and
- disaster response.
Districts of Arunachal Pradesh: Important Facts for APPSC & Competitive Exams
| Question Point | Answer |
|---|---|
| How many districts does Arunachal Pradesh have in 2026? | 28 |
| Newest districts | Keyi Panyor and Bichom |
| Year newest districts were created | 2024 |
| Headquarters of Keyi Panyor | Yachuli |
| Keyi Panyor carved from | Lower Subansiri |
| Headquarters of Bichom | Napangphung |
| Bichom carved from | East Kameng and West Kameng |
| Largest district by current Survey of India GIS area | Dibang Valley |
| Headquarters of Dibang Valley | Anini |
| Capital of Arunachal Pradesh | Itanagar |
| Headquarters of West Kameng | Bomdila |
| Headquarters of East Kameng | Seppa |
| Headquarters of Lower Subansiri | Ziro |
| Headquarters of Upper Subansiri | Daporijo |
| Headquarters of East Siang | Pasighat |
| Headquarters of West Siang | Aalo |
| Headquarters of Siang | Boleng |
| Headquarters of Upper Siang | Yingkiong |
| Headquarters of Lower Dibang Valley | Roing |
| Headquarters of Lohit | Tezu |
| Headquarters of Anjaw | Hawai |
| Headquarters of Changlang | Changlang |
| Headquarters of Tirap | Khonsa |
| Headquarters of Longding | Longding |
Frequently Asked Questions About Districts of Arunachal Pradesh
How many districts are there in Arunachal Pradesh in 2026?
Arunachal Pradesh has 28 districts in 2026.
What are the 28 districts of Arunachal Pradesh?
The 28 district-level units are Anjaw, Bichom, Changlang, Dibang Valley, East Kameng, East Siang, Itanagar Capital Complex, Kamle, Keyi Panyor, Kra Daadi, Kurung Kumey, Lepa Rada, Lohit, Longding, Lower Dibang Valley, Lower Siang, Lower Subansiri, Namsai, Pakke-Kessang, Papum Pare, Shi Yomi, Siang, Tawang, Tirap, Upper Siang, Upper Subansiri, West Kameng and West Siang.
Which are the newest districts of Arunachal Pradesh?
Keyi Panyor and Bichom are the newest districts. Both were created in 2024.
What is the headquarters of Keyi Panyor district?
Yachuli is the headquarters of Keyi Panyor district.
What is the headquarters of Bichom district?
Napangphung is the notified headquarters of Bichom district.
Which district was Keyi Panyor carved out from?
Keyi Panyor was carved out of Lower Subansiri district.
Which districts contributed territory to Bichom?
Bichom was created from areas previously belonging to East Kameng and West Kameng.
Which is the largest district of Arunachal Pradesh?
According to the current Survey of India 2025 administrative boundary dataset, Dibang Valley is the largest district, with a mapped area of about 9,284.09 sq km.
What is the headquarters of Dibang Valley?
Anini is the headquarters of Dibang Valley district.
Which is the smallest district of Arunachal Pradesh?
The Itanagar Capital Complex is the smallest district-level administrative unit, with its official district website reporting an approximate area of 200 sq km. Among districts mapped separately in the Survey of India 2025 district series, Lower Subansiri has the smallest GIS boundary area.
Why do different sources give different district areas for Arunachal Pradesh?
Arunachal Pradesh has undergone repeated district reorganisation. Older Census figures describe district boundaries that existed before later districts were carved out. Modern Survey of India GIS figures represent newer administrative boundary datasets, so the values are not always directly comparable.
What is the capital district of Arunachal Pradesh?
Itanagar is the state capital and forms the principal centre of the Itanagar Capital Complex.
What is the headquarters of Papum Pare?
Yupia is the headquarters of Papum Pare district.
What is the headquarters of Tawang district?
Tawang town is the headquarters of Tawang district.
Which districts border Myanmar?
Eastern Arunachal Pradesh includes districts associated with the Patkai and India-Myanmar frontier, especially Changlang and adjoining eastern hill districts.
Why are Arunachal Pradesh districts large and sparsely populated?
Much of Arunachal Pradesh consists of rugged Himalayan mountains, dense forests, deep river valleys and remote border terrain. These physical conditions limit settlement density and transport connectivity.
Conclusion
The districts of Arunachal Pradesh reflect the state's extraordinary physical geography and administrative evolution.
As of 2026, Arunachal Pradesh has 28 districts. The newest are Keyi Panyor and Bichom, both created in 2024. Keyi Panyor has its headquarters at Yachuli, while Bichom's notified headquarters is Napangphung.
The district system has expanded steadily from the small number of large frontier districts that existed during the NEFA period. New districts have been created primarily to make administration more accessible across a state characterised by high mountains, difficult river crossings, extensive forests and scattered settlements.
Under the current Survey of India GIS boundary dataset, Dibang Valley is the largest district by mapped area. Itanagar Capital Complex represents the smallest district-level administrative unit when treated separately.
For APPSC and other competitive examinations, students should pay particular attention to:
- the total number of districts;
- district headquarters;
- Keyi Panyor and Bichom;
- district formation years;
- Dibang Valley;
- Itanagar Capital Complex;
- river-basin distribution; and
- international border districts.
Because Arunachal Pradesh continues to undergo administrative change, current government and Survey of India data should be preferred over older maps when answering questions specifically referring to Arunachal Pradesh districts in 2026.
References
Government of Arunachal Pradesh, Official State Portal. Current state profile used for the 2026 count of 28 districts, state capital and total geographical area.
Survey of India. Digital Data Register – Arunachal Pradesh, Edition 1, 2025. Used for updated GIS-derived district boundary areas.
Department of Economics & Statistics, Government of Arunachal Pradesh. Statistical Abstract of Arunachal Pradesh 2024. Used for administrative structure and district information.
Department of Administrative Reforms / CM Jansunwai, Government of Arunachal Pradesh. Used for district headquarters including Hawai, Bomdila, Seppa, Raga, Yachuli, Jamin, Koloriang, Basar, Tezu, Longding, Roing, Likabali, Ziro, Namsai, Lemmi, Yupia, Tato, Boleng, Tawang, Khonsa, Yingkiong, Daporijo and Aalo.
Arunachal Pradesh Extraordinary Gazette. 2024 district-reorganisation notification used for creation and boundaries of Bichom and Keyi Panyor.
Itanagar Capital Complex District Administration. Used for the approximate 200 sq km area of the Capital Complex.
Research Note: District-area figures require careful interpretation. Older Census and statistical publications use boundaries existing in their reference year. The Survey of India 2025 Digital Data Register uses updated GIS administrative boundary data. Therefore older district areas should not be mixed directly with current 2026 boundaries.