Top-10 Biggest Jails in India by 2025, Check the List

India has one of the largest prison systems in the world, with jails spread across states to manage thousands of inmates. These prisons vary in size, capacity, and infrastructure, but some stand out as the biggest jails in the country. By 2025, several prisons are not only known for their vast area but also for housing large numbers of prisoners. Knowing about them is useful for GK and exam preparation.

What are Jails?

Jails are facilities designed for the temporary detention of individuals who are awaiting trial, sentencing, or serving short-term sentences. These institutions are a part of the broader criminal justice system and serve as a means of holding individuals accountable for alleged criminal activities. Jails differ from prisons primarily in terms of the duration of stay, the types of inmates, and the purpose of confinement.

How Many Jails are there in India?

India’s prison system comprises a total of 1,306 facilities, which are categorized into various types based on their functions. These include 145 Central Jails, 413 District Jails, 565 Sub Jails, 88 Open Jails, 44 Special Jails, 29 Women Jails, 19 Borstal Schools, and 3 Other Jails. Each of these facilities serves a specific purpose, ranging from holding individuals at the central and district levels to providing open and specialized incarceration environments, including those catering to women and juveniles. This diverse array of correctional facilities reflects the comprehensive nature of India’s approach to the management and rehabilitation of offenders.

India’s Largest Jail

Tihar Jail in Delhi, established in 1957, is the largest jail in India. It has nine central prisons and can house over 5,200 inmates. Beyond confinement, Tihar focuses on rehabilitation, offering skill training, education, and even music therapy for prisoners. It also runs an industrial unit called Tihar Industries, where various goods are produced, helping inmates prepare for a better life after release.

Top-10 Biggest Jails in India 2025

Tihar Jail, located in New Delhi, which encompasses an area of 400 acres is the biggest jail of India, followed by Yerawada Central Jail, Naini Central Jail, and Puzhal Central Jail.

Here is the list of top-10 largest jails in India 2025:

LARGEST JAILS IN INDIA
Rank	Jail	Location	Area
1.	Tihar Jail	New Delhi, Delhi	400 acres
2.	Yerawada Central Jail	Pune, Maharashtra	512 acres
3.	Naini Central Jail	Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh	237 acres
4.	Puzhal Central Jail	Chennai, Tamil Nadu	211 acres
5.	Rajahmundry Central Jail	Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh	196 acres
6.	Vellore Central Jail	Vellore, Tamil Nadu	153 acres
7.	Patiala Central Jail	Patiala, Punjab	110 acres
8.	Alipore Central Jail	Kolkata, West Bengal	40 acres
9.	Parappana Agrahara Central Jail	Bangalore, Karnataka	40 acres
10.	Gaya Central Jail	Gaya, Bihar	31 acres

India’s Biggest Jail – Tihar Jail

 

Location: New Delhi

Area: 400 acres

Establishment: 1957

Tihar Jail, recognized as the largest jail complex in India, is located in Delhi. Operational since 1957, it comprises nine central prisons and boasts a capacity for 5200 prisoners. Functioning as a rehabilitation center, Tihar Jail focuses on imparting skills for effective prisoner reintegration. Innovative methods, such as music therapy through concerts, contribute to the holistic approach. Additionally, the jail runs an industrial center producing various products under the name Tihar, enhancing vocational opportunities for inmates.

Second Biggest Jail of India – Yerawada Central Jail

Location: Pune, Maharashtra

Area: 512 acres

Establishment: Over 150 years

Yerawada Central Prison, the second-largest jail in India, is a high-security facility situated in Pune, Maharashtra. Spanning 500 acres, it includes an open prison within the campus. Notably, Mahatma Gandhi was incarcerated here during the freedom struggle. Presently, it accommodates 3600 prisoners, reflecting its historical significance and robust security measures in contributing to India’s correctional system.

Third Largest Jail in India – Naini Central Jail

 

Area: 237 acres

Naini Central Prison, the third-largest jail in India, is situated near Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh. Established during British rule, this prison encompasses a high-security area along with an open prison. With a significant capacity to house 3000 prisoners, Naini Central Prison plays a crucial role in the Indian correctional system, combining historical significance with modern security measures and rehabilitation practices.