38 Districts of Bihar Master List: Divisions, Headquarters, Map & Key Historical Highlights
The state of Bihar—located in Eastern India along the fertile Ganga river basin—is administratively divided into 9 Divisions (प्रमंडल) comprising 38 Districts (जिले). From Patna in the central plains to West Champaran bordering Nepal and Kaimur in the Vindhyan plateau, each district possesses distinct geographical features, agricultural profiles, cultural traditions, and historical legacies. Below is the definitive reference table for competitive exam aspirants (BPSC), students, researchers, and travelers.
📍 Overview: 9 Administrative Divisions of Bihar
Bihar’s 38 districts are organized under 9 administrative divisions:
- Patna Division: 6 Districts (Patna, Nalanda, Bhojpur, Buxar, Rohtas, Kaimur).
- Tirhut Division: 6 Districts (Muzaffarpur, West Champaran, East Champaran, Vaishali, Sitamarhi, Sheohar).
- Saran Division: 3 Districts (Saran / Chhapra, Siwan, Gopalganj).
- Darbhanga Division: 3 Districts (Darbhanga, Madhubani, Samastipur).
- Koshi Division: 3 Districts (Saharsh, Supaul, Madhepura).
- Purnea Division: 4 Districts (Purnea, Araria, Kishanganj, Katihar).
- Bhagalpur Division: 2 Districts (Bhagalpur, Banka).
- Munger Division: 6 Districts (Munger, Jamui, Khagaria, Lakhisarai, Sheikhpura, Begusarai).
- Magadh Division: 5 Districts (Gaya, Nawada, Aurangabad, Jehanabad, Arwal).
Master Table of 38 Districts of Bihar
| # | District Name (जिला) | Division (प्रमंडल) | Headquarters (मुख्यालय) | Key Historical / Geographical Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Patna | Patna | Patna | Ancient Pataliputra; capital city; Takht Sri Patna Sahib |
| 2 | Nalanda | Patna | Bihar Sharif | Ancient Nalanda University ruins & Pawapuri Jal Mandir |
| 3 | Gaya | Magadh | Gaya | Bodh Gaya Mahabodhi Temple & Vishnupad Temple Pinda Daan |
| 4 | Muzaffarpur | Tirhut | Muzaffarpur | GI-tagged Shahi Litchi capital of India; Garib Nath temple |
| 5 | West Champaran | Tirhut | Bettiah | Largest district by area; Valmiki National Park & Tiger Reserve |
| 6 | Vaishali | Tirhut | Hajipur | World's first republic (Licchavis); Bhagwan Mahavira birth site |
| 7 | Darbhanga | Darbhanga | Darbhanga | Cultural heartland of Mithila; Raj Darbhanga & Ahilya Asthan |
| 8 | Bhagalpur | Bhagalpur | Bhagalpur | Silk City of India; Vikramshila ancient university ruins |
| 9 | Rohtas | Patna | Sasaram | Tomb of Sher Shah Suri & Rohtasgarh Fort |
| 38 | Arwal | Magadh | Arwal | 38th district created in 2001 (carved out from Jehanabad) |
Study All 38 District Profiles & BPSC Notes Offline
Download the official Bihar Explorer App by Mahavyoma Studio on Google Play. Access complete 38-district historical profiles, administrative maps, tourism circuits, and BPSC static GK notes 100% offline without ads.