What is a Land Settlement Certificate (LSC)?

An LSC is issued by the Autonomous District Council (Khasi, Jaintia, or Garo Hills) and certifies your right to a specific plot of non-community land. It serves as proof of title for individual ownership in Meghalaya.

Is there a survey number system like other states?

No. Most of Meghalaya's land is managed by ADCs (Autonomous District Councils) as community property. Individual plots may have local identifiers but not conventional survey numbers. LSC and ADC records are the basis for title.

Can non-tribal people own land in Meghalaya?

The Sixth Schedule restricts land ownership to tribal citizens of the state. Non-tribal citizens cannot purchase land. Existing non-tribal holders may retain their property under lease or trust arrangements; consult a local advocate for details.

How do I find land records in Meghalaya?

For non-community land, visit the District Council office (Khasi, Jaintia, or Garo Hills) with your LSC or property details. For community land, contact the village headman or ADC office.

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Survey Numbers in Meghalaya

Overview

Meghalaya's land system is governed by the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. Most land is held and managed by Autonomous District Councils (Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills, Garo Hills) and community bodies, not individuals. There is no conventional cadastral survey number system for community land — instead, land is identified by local tenure documents, LSC (Land Settlement Certificates), or District Council records.

The 1acre map is coming soon to Meghalaya, bringing clarity to property discovery in this unique land system. Learn how land is identified locally and how to verify your rights.

The Meghalaya survey-number map is coming soon

We're building the interactive survey-number map for Meghalaya. Get notified on WhatsApp — send us your district and we'll message you the moment it goes live.

One plot, many names — what ‘survey number’ means here

Land Settlement Certificate (LSC)

A document issued by the District Council certifying individual or clan rights to a plot; serves as proof of title for non-community land.

Autonomous District Council (ADC)

The governing body (Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills, Garo Hills) responsible for managing community land, local regulations, and land rights under the Sixth Schedule.

Community Land

Land managed collectively by a clan, village, or community; recorded with the ADC rather than in individual survey numbers. Used for common grazing, forestry, and settlement.

Dag / Parcel

A grouped plot or land division; recorded on the local cadastral or community land map maintained by the ADC office.

Which record, which portal — for what

Different tasks need different records and portals. Here is the map.

What you want to do

Record / term

Where — official & free

Find a survey number by location

—

On the 1acre map — coming soon for this state

Verify non-community land rights

Land Settlement Certificate (LSC)

District Council office (Khasi, Jaintia, or Garo Hills)

Check community land status

Community land register / ADC records

Autonomous District Council office; village headman

Resolve land disputes

ADC or district land authority

District Council or Deputy Commissioner's office

What you want to do

Record / term

Where — official & free

Find a survey number by location

—

On the 1acre map — coming soon for this state

Verify non-community land rights

Land Settlement Certificate (LSC)

District Council office (Khasi, Jaintia, or Garo Hills)

Check community land status

Community land register / ADC records

Autonomous District Council office; village headman

Resolve land disputes

ADC or district land authority

District Council or Deputy Commissioner's office

Meghalaya's Sixth Schedule prevents non-residents (non-tribal citizens) from owning land in most areas. Community land is not individually surveyed. For non-community land, LSC and ADC records are the primary proof of title.