Administrative Structure of Bihar: Districts, Sub-Divisions, Blocks, and Gram Panchayats

Districts of Bihar

The state of Bihar is administratively divided into 38 districts, each serving as a fundamental unit of governance. These districts are grouped under 9 divisions for efficient oversight. Every district is led by a District Magistrate (DM), commonly referred to as the District Collector, who oversees the comprehensive administration of their jurisdiction. The DM’s responsibilities encompass maintaining law and order, managing revenue collection, spearheading development projects, and ensuring the overall upkeep and welfare of the district.

District Magistrates

District Magistrates are senior officers drawn from two prestigious sources: the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) and the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). Recruited through rigorous competitive examinations, they form the backbone of Bihar’s permanent executive within the state’s administrative framework. These officials blend local expertise (via BPSC) with national administrative standards (via IAS), ensuring robust governance across Bihar’s diverse regions. Beyond their core duties, DMs coordinate disaster management, implement government schemes, and act as the primary link between the state government and district-level operations.

Sub-Divisions

For administrative convenience, each district is further divided into smaller units known as sub-divisions. Bihar currently has 101 sub-divisions across its 38 districts. Each sub-division is headed by a Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) or Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), who are either IAS officers or recruited through the State Public Service Commission (BPSC in Bihar’s case). As permanent executives within the administrative structure, SDOs/SDMs oversee the functioning of Circle Officers, participate in Panchayat Samiti meetings, and ensure the overall administration of their sub-division. They maintain vigilance over local governance and development activities.

Blocks

Sub-divisions are further segmented into blocks, which form the next tier of Bihar’s administrative hierarchy. Each block is managed by a team of officers, including the Block Development Officer (BDO), Circle Officer (CO), Block Animal Husbandry Officer (BAHO), and Block Welfare Officer (BWO). These officers, often recruited through the Bihar Public Service Commission and sometimes titled Deputy Collectors, undertake a range of developmental works. Their responsibilities include improving primary health and education facilities, managing rehabilitation efforts, promoting agricultural and animal welfare, and implementing wellness programs tailored to the block’s needs.

Gram Panchayats

The gram panchayat represents the smallest unit of India’s administrative structure, operating at the village level. It is responsible for various developmental activities within rural communities. Each gram panchayat is headed by a Sarpanch, an elected official chosen through local elections, whose term lasts five years. Other panchayat members are similarly elected, forming a non-permanent body. A single gram panchayat typically governs multiple villages, facilitating grassroots development and local governance.