A content addressable memory (CAM) device having multiple index generators is described. Each of the index generators is coupled to at least one of a plurality CAM blocks. Each of the plurality of CAM blocks includes a CAM block array and a priority encoder. Each of the index generators includes a priority encoder and match enable circuits. Each index generators is configured to receive a block index and a block match flag from a corresponding CAM block and generate a device index corresponding to a highest priority matching entry in a respective CAM block or a group of associated CAM blocks participating in a compare operation.