A Survey Number is a unique numeric ID assigned to a specific parcel of land by the state Revenue Department. Imagine a huge village map; the government divides this map into smaller chunks for identification. Each chunk is given a number—this is the Survey Number.
When you ask “what is Survey Number,” you are asking for the coordinate ID that physically locates your land on the government’s village map. Unlike a postal address which can be vague, a Survey Number is precise and permanent (unless the land is subdivided).
What Does Survey Number Land Mean?
During a land survey (often called a ‘Settlement’), officials measure the boundaries of agricultural and non-agricultural land. They assign a main Survey Number (e.g., 45) and if that land is divided among brothers or sold in pieces, they add Sub-Division Numbers (e.g., 45/1, 45/2, or 45/1A). This combination tells you exactly which portion of the land belongs to whom.
Why Survey Number is Important
This number is the foundation of land records in India:
- Boundary Identification: It helps surveyors measure and fix the boundaries of your property if there is an encroachment dispute.
- FMB (Field Measurement Book): The sketch of your land is stored under this number.
- Buying Land: You must verify if the Survey Number mentioned in the Sale Deed matches the actual location of the plot.
- Land Conversion: To convert agricultural land to residential (NA), the application is processed against this number.
Where is Survey Number Used?
You will see this number in:
- 7/12 Extract (Maharashtra/Gujarat)
- RTC (Karnataka)
- Patta / Chitta (Tamil Nadu)
- Sale Deeds
- Mutation Registers
How to Find or Check Survey Number
If you don’t know the survey number, you can find it using maps or owner names.
Method 1: Sale Deed
It is always mentioned in the “Schedule” at the end of your deed.
Method 2: Dishank App (Karnataka) or Similar Apps
Some states like Karnataka have mobile apps (Dishank) where you can stand on the land, and the GPS will tell you the Survey Number of that spot.
Method 3: Online Maps (Bhu-Naksha)
1. Visit the Bhu-Naksha or Land Record portal of your state (e.g., MP Bhulekh).
2. Go to “View Map”.
3. Zoom into your village and locate your plot visually.
4. The number written on the plot on the map is the Survey Number.
Example of Survey Number
- Simple: 24 (Whole field)
- Sub-divided: 24/1 or 24/1A (Part of the field)
- North India: Khasra No 105 (Khasra is the equivalent of Survey Number in revenue terminology).
Common Problems or Errors
- Wrong Survey Number in Deed: If your deed says 45/1 but you are physically occupying 45/2, it is a major legal defect. You need a rectification deed.
- Missing Sub-division: Sometimes the physical division is done, but the government record still shows the main number. You must apply for “Podi” or sub-division.
Important Things to Remember
- Do not buy land without verifying the Survey Number on the village map.
- Ensure the area mentioned against the Survey Number in government records matches the area you are buying.
- For tax accounts linked to this land, see what is Khata Number or what is Property ID.
Also, check what is mutation application number to understand how to change ownership on this survey number.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Survey Number and Khasra Number?
They are effectively the same. Survey Number is a term used mostly in South and West India, while Khasra Number is the term used in North India for the same land identification concept.
How can I find my land survey number using a map?
Use the state government’s ‘Bhu-Naksha’ or Cadastral Map portal. Zoom into your village, identify landmarks near your property, and you will see numbers assigned to each plot.
Can a Survey Number change?
Generally, the main number stays the same. However, during a ‘Resurvey’ by the government, new numbers might be assigned, or sub-division numbers are added when land is partitioned.
What is a Sub-Division Number?
It is the suffix added to a Survey Number (e.g., /1, /2) when a large piece of land is divided into smaller ownership parcels.
Is Survey Number required for a home loan?
Yes, for constructing a house on a plot, the bank will require the Survey Number to verify the land title and ensure it is not government land.