Panchbibi and Gobindaganj upazilas on the north, Shibganj and Gobindaganj upazilas on the east, Khetlal and Shibganj upazilas on the south and Khetlal and Joypurhat Sadar upazilas on the west.

Kalai thana, now an upazila, was established in 1981. It consists of 5 union parishads, 109 mouzas and 158 villages.

Kalai Upazila is located in Joypurhat District. Upazilla(s)/Thana(s) in Joypurhat are Akkelpur Upazila, Joypurhat Sadar Upazila, Kalai Upazila, Khetlal Upazila, Panchbibi Upazila.