Every piece of land in India has a unique identity — and that identity is known as a Survey Number.
Just like people have Aadhaar numbers, land parcels have survey numbers that help the government, buyers, and landowners trace the exact location, boundaries, and legal details of the property.
In this post, I’ll explain what a survey number is, how it’s used, and why it matters during any property transaction or ownership verification.
1️⃣ 🗺️ What Is a Survey Number?
✅ Basic Definition
A Survey Number is a unique number assigned to a specific parcel of land by the revenue department.
It is used to record ownership, extent, classification, and location of land.
✅ Part of Revenue Records
This number is created during the land survey process and appears in revenue documents like RTC, 7/12 extract, and property cards.
2️⃣ 🌍 Where Are Survey Numbers Used?
✅ Across India
Survey numbers are used in rural and urban areas in every Indian state to demarcate and record land parcels.
✅ Different Terms in States
Some states may use other terms like Khasra Number (North India), CTS Number (Maharashtra), or Gat Number (for consolidated lands).
3️⃣ 📑 What Details Are Linked to a Survey Number?
✅ Key Information Stored
- Owner’s name
- Area (in acres/hectares/square meters)
- Land type (wet, dry, agricultural, residential)
- Subdivision numbers
- Mutation entries
- Encumbrances or pending claims
✅ Found In
- RTC/Pahani (Karnataka)
- 7/12 Extract (Maharashtra)
- Property Card (urban areas)
- Mutation registers
4️⃣ 🧾 Why Is Survey Number Important?
✅ Unique Identification
A survey number helps uniquely identify a land parcel — like a fingerprint for your property.
✅ Mandatory for Legal Checks
It is required for:
- Buying or selling property
- Mutation
- Patta transfer
- Conversion
- Applying for loans or subsidies
5️⃣ 🏗️ Survey Number and Subdivision
✅ What Is a Subdivision Number?
When a land parcel is divided (e.g., among heirs or in plotted layouts), the main survey number gets subdivided into child numbers.
✅ Example
If Survey No. 32 is divided among 3 children, the land may be recorded as 32/1, 32/2, 32/3.
6️⃣ 📋 Survey Number vs Plot Number
✅ Plot Number (Municipal)
This is usually assigned by the municipal corporation or planning authority during layout approval.
✅ Survey Number (Revenue)
Assigned by the revenue department during physical land surveys.
Survey number is the legal basis for title and ownership.
7️⃣ 📍 How to Locate a Land Using Survey Number?
✅ Use State Land Records Portal
Most states (like Karnataka’s Bhoomi, Maharashtra’s MahaBhulekh) allow online mapping using survey numbers.
✅ Physical Maps
You can also request village maps or field measurement books (FMBs) from the local revenue office.
8️⃣ 📡 How Are Survey Numbers Assigned?
✅ Land Survey Process
Government-appointed surveyors carry out ground measurement using chains, theodolites, GPS, or drones.
✅ Village and Taluk Code
The number includes village and taluk identifiers to avoid duplication and ensure uniqueness.
9️⃣ 🔄 What If Survey Number Is Wrong or Missing?
✅ Rectification Possible
Apply to the local Tahsildar or survey department with supporting documents like sale deed or RTC.
✅ Inheritance and Disputes
If ownership changes are not updated, survey numbers may appear under old names — get mutation done to update.
🔟 🧠 How Do Survey Numbers Help Prevent Fraud?
✅ Protects Against Overlapping Claims
Clearly defined survey numbers prevent double-selling or encroachment.
✅ Required for Encumbrance Check
Survey number is essential for retrieving EC (Encumbrance Certificate) and verifying clean title.
1️⃣1️⃣ 🧾 Is Survey Number a Proof of Ownership?
✅ Not Alone
Survey number shows land identity, but ownership must be backed by sale deed, EC, mutation, and RTC.
✅ But Still Crucial
It is the starting point for tracing title history and boundary verification.
1️⃣2️⃣ 🧠 How to Check Ownership by Survey Number?
✅ Use Revenue Department Portal
Visit your state’s land records website and enter the district, taluk, village, and survey number to view ownership details.
✅ Verify with Sale Deed and RTC
Cross-check with title documents before purchasing any property.
1️⃣3️⃣ 🧮 Are Survey Numbers Updated After Every Transaction?
✅ Only if Mutation Is Done
Mutation must be applied after sale, inheritance, gift, or partition for updates to reflect.
✅ Otherwise, Records Stay Outdated
Land may remain under the old owner’s name unless formally updated.
1️⃣4️⃣ 🌐 Survey Numbers and GIS Mapping
✅ Use in Digitisation
States are now linking survey numbers with GIS-based land mapping, which allows real-time spatial verification.
✅ Part of SVAMITVA Scheme
In rural India, drone surveys are generating digital property cards linked to survey numbers.
1️⃣5️⃣ 🚫 Common Misconceptions
❌ “Plot number is enough to trace land”
No — plot number is layout-based. Survey number is the legal and revenue-recognised identifier.
❌ “If I have a sale deed, survey number doesn’t matter”
Wrong. A sale deed must refer to the correct survey number to establish ownership clearly.
📊 Comparison Table: Survey Number vs Plot Number vs CTS Number
| Aspect | Survey Number | Plot Number | CTS Number (MH) |
| Issued By | Revenue Department | Municipality / Planning Body | City Survey Dept (MH) |
| Used In | All states (rural + urban) | Urban layouts and approvals | Maharashtra urban areas |
| Purpose | Legal identification of land | Layout and planning | Urban land tracking |
| Appears In | RTC, EC, Mutation, 7/12 | Layout plan, property tax | Property Card, mutation |
| Legally Enforceable? | Yes | No (only for planning) | Yes |
❓ 10 FAQs About Survey Numbers
- Is a survey number unique across India?
It’s unique within a district/taluk/village combination, not across the country. - Can two plots have the same survey number?
Only if they are subdivided from a larger parcel (e.g., 52/1 and 52/2). - Can I get land details using survey number?
Yes, from state portals like Bhoomi or MahaBhulekh. - Is survey number required for home loans?
Yes, especially for plots and agricultural land. - What is CTS number vs survey number?
CTS is used in Maharashtra cities; survey number is more general. - What if survey number is not in the sale deed?
It’s a red flag. Ensure it is corrected through rectification or supplemental deed. - Can I sell land without survey number?
No. Survey number is essential for mutation and registration. - How can I check boundary disputes?
Use FMB sketch and the survey number to verify official boundaries. - Does each flat have a survey number?
No, the building land will have one survey number; flats are demarcated by unit numbers. - Can survey numbers be digitised or GIS-linked?
Yes. Many states are linking them with GPS/GIS-based maps for accuracy.
🏁 Conclusion: What Is a Survey Number? How It Helps Identify Land Parcels in India
A Survey Number is the most basic yet most important identifier of land in India.
It is the government’s official recognition of a particular parcel — its size, ownership, and legal classification.
If the survey number is wrong, the entire transaction may be flawed.
That’s why every sale deed, EC, RTC, or mutation entry must mention the correct survey number.
Whether you’re buying, inheriting, or verifying land, always begin with the survey number — it’s your key to lawful ownership.
📢 Call to Action: Secure Your Land Rights with Expert Legal Support
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🌐 Visit: www.rjpropertylaw.com
📧 Email: ranjinijayaram@rjpropertylaw.com
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