Quick Fact: As of 2026, India has 6 bicameral states out of 28 total states and 8 Union Territories, with Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh maintaining two-house legislatures.
Where are India's bicameral states located?
India’s bicameral states aren’t clustered in one region—they’re spread from the southern Deccan Plateau (Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh) to the northern Gangetic plains (Uttar Pradesh, Bihar) and the western coast (Maharashtra). These six states make up about 21% of India’s administrative regions but represent over 40% of the national population. That’s a huge chunk of people living in places with this more complex legislative system. The bicameral setup in these states mirrors India’s national Parliament, which also has two houses: the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) and the Lok Sabha (House of the People).
What are the exact numbers for each bicameral state?
| State | Legislative Assembly Seats | Legislative Council Seats | Status (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uttar Pradesh | 403 | 100 | Bicameral |
| Maharashtra | 288 | 78 | Bicameral |
| Bihar | 243 | 75 | Bicameral |
| Karnataka | 224 | 75 | Bicameral |
| Andhra Pradesh | 175 | 58 | Bicameral |
| Telangana | 119 | 40 | Bicameral |
Sources: The seat counts come from the most recent delimitation data validated by the Election Commission of India in 2023 (Election Commission of India). The 2021 Census data is still being worked into administrative planning, with final numbers expected by 2027 (Census of India).
How did India end up with bicameral states?
The idea of a second legislative chamber in Indian states actually dates back to the Government of India Act, 1935. That’s right—this system predates independence. After 1947, India’s Constitution kept the two-house structure for larger states to add an extra layer of legislative scrutiny. The Legislative Councils (Vidhan Parishads) aren’t directly elected; they’re meant to act as a brake on rushed laws from the more politically responsive assemblies. Fun fact: Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, split in 2014, both kept their bicameral systems, showing how deeply this structure was embedded in their governance. Karnataka’s council, set up in 1956, is one of the oldest still operating in the country.
Here’s the thing: the Constitution doesn’t force states to have a Legislative Council. States like Tamil Nadu and West Bengal have gotten rid of theirs over the years, saying they were redundant and too expensive. But lately, places like Kerala and Rajasthan are reconsidering bicameralism—not because they love bureaucracy, but because they see it as a way to add fiscal discipline and institutional depth to their governments.
Can visitors actually see these legislative chambers?
Most tourists won’t have much reason to step inside a state legislature, but if you’re curious, there are ways to engage with this part of India’s political culture. In some states, you can tour legislative museum exhibits—like the Karnataka Legislative Council Hall in Bengaluru—or watch budget sessions from public galleries when they’re open. Now, access isn’t always easy; sessions can restrict entry, but local authorities usually approve educational visits if you ask ahead of time. Want to check what’s happening? The Parliament of India website has up-to-date session calendars and live streams for both national and state proceedings.
One more thing: since 2026, no new states have joined the bicameral list. The last change was in 2019, when Jammu and Kashmir went from bicameral to unicameral after becoming a Union Territory (India Code).
