In case you are purchasing land in India or already own land in India, the survey number surely will be one of the utmost requirements. However, several individuals are confused on how to obtain the survey number, where to verify the number and its importance. Here, in this blog, we are going to explain it all in simple terms so you can comprehend and follow the right procedures. It does not matter whether you are a farmer, a landowner, a house buyer, or a real estate investor—this guide is created with you in mind.
What is a Survey Number?
A survey number is the unique identification code that is assigned to a certain piece of land. It is a plot equivalent of an “ID card.” This number is used in the government land records offices to track the individual properties and their ownership and their size purpose or usage (farming, residential, commercial etc.); as well as any disputes on them. Simply stated, any given village, town or city is subdivided into numerous plots, and the plot is assigned a survey number. This assists in controlling the land ownership records conveniently and eliminates fraud or confusion in the future.
For example:
- A farmer’s field in a village may have a survey number like “123/2.”
- A house in a town may be built on land with survey number “78/4A.”
Why Is the Survey Number Important?
Survey numbers are very important when you are:
- Buying or selling land or property
- Applying for loans using land as collateral
- Getting legal documents like Khata, Patta, or EC (Encumbrance Certificate)
- Checking for land disputes or claims
- Registering your land with the local government
If you do not know your land’s survey number, it becomes very difficult to prove your ownership or carry out any legal process related to that land.
Where to Find Survey Number?
There are many simple ways you can find the survey number of your land. Depending on your location and state, the process might differ slightly. But in general, these are the most common ways to find it:
1. Land Sale Deed / Property Documents
The sale deed or title deed of your land will clearly mention the survey number. Look under the description section or in the first few pages. It usually appears like:
“Land measuring 2000 sq.ft bearing Survey No. 45/3B situated at…”
Make sure the document is registered with the sub-registrar office and signed by both buyer and seller.
2. RTC / Patta / Khata or Land Record Documents
Different states in India use different names like:
- RTC in Karnataka (Record of Rights, Tenancy and Crops)
- Patta in Tamil Nadu
- Khata in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh
- ROR in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and others (Record of Rights)
All these documents mention the survey number and owner details. These papers are available at your local Tehsildar or Revenue Office or online (see next point).
3. State Land Records Online Portals
Almost all states in India have launched official online portals where you can search for land details by name, address, or property ID. These websites let you check survey number, land ownership, size, and more—just by sitting at home.
Here’s a small table of a few state portals you can use:
| State | Land Record Website |
| Karnataka | https://landrecords.karnataka.gov.in/ |
| Maharashtra | https://bhulekh.mahabhumi.gov.in/ |
| Uttar Pradesh | http://upbhulekh.gov.in/ |
| Tamil Nadu | https://eservices.tn.gov.in/ |
| Andhra Pradesh | https://meebhoomi.ap.gov.in/ |
| Telangana | https://dharani.telangana.gov.in/ |
| Odisha | https://bhulekh.ori.nic.in/ |
You just need basic details like:
- Owner name
- Village name
- District and taluk
- Property ID (optional)
Once you enter the details, the website will show you your land details, including the survey number.
4. Visit the Local Revenue Office (Tehsildar Office)
If you don’t have access to the internet or your documents are old and unclear, you can visit the Tehsildar or Revenue Inspector office in your area. They keep records of all lands in their region.
Take these documents with you:
- Sale deed (copy)
- Your Aadhaar card
- Land tax receipt (if available)
They will help you check your land record and tell you the correct survey number.
5. Sub-Registrar Office
You can also go to the Sub-Registrar Office where the property was registered. Ask them for a certified copy of the sale deed or Encumbrance Certificate (EC). These will have the survey number mentioned clearly. Some offices allow you to request this online as well through the state government portal.
6. Mobile Apps for Land Records (in Some States)
States like Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka now have mobile apps where you can:
- Check land ownership
- Find survey number
- View maps (GIS or Bhoomi maps)
Search the Google Play Store or Apple Store for:
- Dharani App (Telangana)
- Meebhoomi App (AP)
- MahaBhulekh (Maharashtra)
You just need to input your district, village, and owner name to find the survey number.
7. Using Land Maps / Village Maps
Every village or town has detailed land maps with all survey numbers marked. These are called:
- FMB (Field Measurement Book) Maps
- Cadastral Maps
- Village Maps
You can get these from your local Taluk office or online in some states. By matching your plot location on the map, you can find the exact survey number.
Tips to Remember While Finding Survey Number
- Always check if the name of the owner matches with your name or seller’s name.
- Compare area in square feet or acres to confirm it’s your land.
- Keep copies of all documents safely once you find the survey number.
- Ask for help from a village accountant (Patwari) or legal expert if you’re unsure.
Why People Often Get Confused
Many people think plot number and survey number are the same. But that’s not always true.
- A survey number is a government-assigned number for rural land tracking.
- A plot number is often given by local municipal corporations or builders in town layouts.
So, if you are buying land in a city or developed layout, both numbers might be mentioned, but survey number is the official legal identity of the land in government records.
FAQs
Q1. Can I find the survey number by mobile number or name alone?
Ans. In some states, yes. Portals like UP Bhulekh and Meebhoomi allow searches by owner name. But mobile number alone usually doesn’t work.
Q2. What if the land has multiple survey numbers?
Ans. That happens when one property is made by joining two or more old land pieces. Your documents should mention all relevant survey numbers.
Q3. Can I buy land without knowing the survey number?
Ans. No, never buy land without checking the survey number. It is needed for registration, tax, and legal checks.
Q4. Is the survey number permanent?
Ans. Yes. Unless the government resurveys the land and changes it, the survey number stays the same.
Conclusion
Finding your survey number is not as difficult as it seems. With the help of your land documents, online portals, or a quick visit to the local office, you can easily get this important number. It protects your ownership, helps in legal work, and keeps your property secure. Before you proceed to purchase some land, do you find out it has a survey number? In case you already own any land and you are not aware of its quantity, it is time to count and record. One little step today can save a lot of problems tomorrow.
Still confused? Do not be afraid of asking a lawyer, Patwari, or a person well versed in your field. Setting up skepticism is better than remorse.
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