The News DrillThe News DrillThe News Drill
  • Home
    • Default Home 2Hot
    • Default Home 3
    • Default Home 4New
    • Default Home 5
  • politics
    politics
    Show More
    Top News
    India Surpasses Japan in GDP: A Reality Check on Per Capita, Growth & Global Standing
    May 30, 2025
    IIT Mandi vs Anuradha Tiwari: The ₹99 Entrance Test fee Controversy and the Truth Behind the Outrage
    June 16, 2025
    Tiger Raja Singh Resigns from BJP | Telangana BJP Crisis
    June 30, 2025
    Latest News
    Parliament 2025 Monsoon Session to Run from July 21 to August 21: Key Bills, Debates, and Political Stakes
    July 3, 2025
    Delhi’s ELV Crackdown Falters: Is the Government Targeting the Poor While Ignoring Industrial Polluters?
    July 3, 2025
    Telangana 25% Reservation in Private Schools: A Step Towards Social Justice or Vote Bank Politics?
    July 2, 2025
    Pooja Jatav Case: Feminism, Criminal Silence, and the Forgotten Lessons of Ambedkar’s Legacy
    July 2, 2025
  • Technology
    TechnologyShow More
    RailOne App Launched: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Unveils All in One Railway Services App on CRIS Foundation Day
    July 1, 2025
    10 Years of Digital India: Transforming a Nation, Empowering a Billion Dreams
    July 1, 2025
    Bihar Becomes First Indian State to Launch Mobile Voting: Historic e-Voting Begins June 28
    June 29, 2025
    Delhi to Witness First Ever Artificial Rain via Cloud Seeding (July 4–11) to Fight Air Pollution
    June 29, 2025
    NAMASTE Portal Shifts to namaste.ayush.gov.in: Standardizing AYUSH Terminologies
    June 28, 2025
  • Posts
    • Post LayoutsUnlimited
    • Gallery Layouts
    • Video Layouts
    • Post Sidebar
    • ReviewHot
      • User Rating
    • Content Features100+
    • Table of Contents
  • Bookmarks
  • Pages
    • 404 Page
    • Search Page
Search
  • Advertise
© 2022 Foxiz News Network. Ruby Design Company. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Literacy in India: A Comprehensive Overview
Share
Sign In
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
The News DrillThe News Drill
Font ResizerAa
  • politics
  • Travel
  • Entertainment
  • Science
  • Technology
  • Fashion
Search
  • Home
    • Home 1
    • Default Home 2
    • Default Home 3
    • Default Home 4
    • Default Home 5
  • Categories
    • Technology
    • Entertainment
    • Travel
    • Fashion
    • politics
    • Science
    • Health
  • Bookmarks
  • More Foxiz
    • Sitemap
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
  • Advertise
© 2025 The News Drill Network. All Rights Reserved.
The News Drill > Blog > Articles > Literacy in India: A Comprehensive Overview
ArticlespoliticsReportSociety

Literacy in India: A Comprehensive Overview

The News Drill
Last updated: May 31, 2025 12:41 PM
The News Drill
Share
11 Min Read
SHARE

Literacy in India

India’s literacy landscape has seen significant transformations over the years, driven by concerted efforts from both the central and state governments. This article delves into the current literacy rates across Indian states and union territories, examines the initiatives undertaken to promote education, and underscores the benefits of a literate populace.

Contents
Literacy in IndiaTop 10 States/UTs by Literacy (2023–24, PLFS) Literacy RateBottom 10 States/UTs by Literacy (2023–24, PLFS) Literacy RateULLAS (Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram)Other Literacy and Education InitiativesSamagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA):An overarching school-education scheme (pre-primary to class 12), formed by subsuming SSA, RMSA and Teacher Education programs. With continued funding through 2025-26 (~₹2.94 lakh crore), Samagra Shiksha is fully aligned with NEP 2020. Its objectives span universal enrollment, quality learning outcomes and equity. It particularly emphasizes foundational literacy and numeracy (classes I–II), inclusive education (gender/Social-group gaps), and implementing RTE mandates. Samagra Shiksha has fostered innovations (like activity-based learning, curriculum reforms and ICT integration) to improve basic literacy in schools.Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP):Digital Literacy and Education: State-led Programs: Key education schemes summary: Socioeconomic Benefits of LiteracyBenefits of a Literate and Educated PopulationConclusion:
Latest Literacy rate in India

Top 10 States/UTs by Literacy (2023–24, PLFS) Literacy Rate

Mizoram – 98.2%
Lakshadweep – 97.3%
Nagaland – 95.7%
Kerala – 95.3%
Meghalaya – 94.2%
Tripura – 93.7%
Chandigarh (UT) – 93.7%
Goa – 93.6%
Puducherry (UT) – 92.7%
Manipur – 92.0%

Bottom 10 States/UTs by Literacy (2023–24, PLFS) Literacy Rate

Andhra Pradesh – 72.6%
Bihar – 74.3%
Madhya Pradesh – 75.2%
Rajasthan – 75.8%
Jharkhand – 76.7%
Telangana – 76.9%
Uttar Pradesh – 78.2%
Chhattisgarh – 78.5%
Ladakh (UT) – 81.0%
Jammu & Kashmir – 82.0%

These figures illustrate stark regional gaps. The Northeast dominates the high end, reflecting historically strong educational outcomes there. In contrast, populous states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, with many rural and disadvantaged communities, trail far behind. Gender and urban/rural gaps persist as well: literacy among women remains substantially lower than among men in most states, and urban areas (with far better school access) outperform rural areas. (For example, previous data show urban literacy well above 85% versus roughly 70–75% in rural India.) Bridging these disparities is a core goal of India’s education policy – from the Right to Education Act to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which envisions universal literacy by 2030.

Lieutenant Governor B.D. Mishra of Ladakh (center) with new literates and volunteers at a ULLAS literacy celebration in Leh (June 2024). Ladakh achieved over 97% literacy and was declared fully literate under the ULLAS-Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram.

ULLAS (Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram)

  • A flagship adult literacy drive in India is ULLAS (Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram), launched 2022–23. ULLAS targets all adults (15+) who have missed schooling, providing a “whole-of-government” volunteer‑driven campaign for basic reading/writing, numeracy, life and vocational skills. Under ULLAS, a new definition of literacy emphasizes functional ability (not just signing one’s name) and includes digital/financial skills. The scheme is fully aligned with NEP 2020 and promotes “Jan Jan Saakshar” (every person literate) through volunteer mentors and community groups. Key features include: five components (Foundational Literacy & Numeracy, Critical Life Skills, Basic Education, Vocational Skills, Continuing Education) and use of a digital platform (a ULLAS app) for registration and learning.
  • ULLAS has rapidly scaled up. As of mid-2025, over 1.77 crore learners have taken the foundational literacy assessment under ULLAS nationwide, and 2.40 crore learners (with 41 lakh volunteer teachers) have registered on the ULLAS mobile app. These figures highlight broad outreach: volunteers from civil society, schools and government agencies have identified illiterate adults and guided them through learning modules. The impact is already visible in states like Ladakh and Goa. In June 2024, Lt. Governor B.D. Mishra declared that Ladakh had attained full functional literacy after surpassing 97% literacy. Similarly, in May 2025 Goa was officially pronounced fully literate – the second state (after Mizoram) to cross the 95% threshold. These milestones underscore ULLAS’s promise: leveraging volunteerism and inter-departmental coordination to lift adult literacy toward the national target of universal literacy by 2030.

Other Literacy and Education Initiatives

India’s literacy improvements also reflect decades of school-education schemes that improve basic education and equality. Notable Programmes include:

Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA):

An overarching school-education scheme (pre-primary to class 12), formed by subsuming SSA, RMSA and Teacher Education programs. With continued funding through 2025-26 (~₹2.94 lakh crore), Samagra Shiksha is fully aligned with NEP 2020. Its objectives span universal enrollment, quality learning outcomes and equity. It particularly emphasizes foundational literacy and numeracy (classes I–II), inclusive education (gender/Social-group gaps), and implementing RTE mandates. Samagra Shiksha has fostered innovations (like activity-based learning, curriculum reforms and ICT integration) to improve basic literacy in schools.

Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP):

 Launched in 2015 to promote the girl child, this multi-sectoral scheme focuses on “preventing gender-biased sex selection, ensuring survival and protection of the girl child and promoting her education”*. As a result of BBBP, India’s child sex ratio at birth has improved (from 918 girls per 1000 boys in 2014–15 to 930 in 2023–24), and the gross enrollment ratio for girls at the secondary level has risen (from 75.5% in 2014-15 to 79.4% by 2021-22). By incentivizing families and strengthening girl-child services, BBBP indirectly boosts literacy and schooling for girls.

Digital Literacy and Education: 

The Digital India initiative and related programs (like the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan) work to equip citizens with basic digital skills. These efforts complement traditional literacy by expanding access to online learning and ICT tools. For example, digital learning platforms and virtual classrooms under DIKSHA, e-books and ICT labs in schools, and mobile literacy apps extend literacy outreach. (Government reports note millions of youth trained in basic computing and e-payment skills, helping bridge the digital divide.)

State-led Programs: 

 Many states supplement central schemes with their own literacy drives. Goa’s administration, for instance, took a “whole-of-government” approach in its ULLAS campaign (mobilizing Panchayats, schools, NGOs). Similarly, Ladakh’s education department held ULLAS melas (fairs) and award ceremonies to encourage learners. Other states, such as Odisha and West Bengal, run periodic adult education and “awareness literacy” campaigns in low-literacy pockets. Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra have long traditions of continuing education centers and volunteer teaching networks. These state initiatives target local needs (e.g. tribal communities or migrant groups) and help drive up literacy in lagging districts.

Key education schemes summary: 

As the table below indicates, flagship schemes converge on universal quality education and literacy goals. Samagra Shiksha, for example, prioritizes early reading and numeracy as per NEP goals. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao ensures girls enroll and stay in school. Initiatives like ULLAS (and its predecessors NILP), in turn, address adult non-literacy. Together, these programs aim to build a literate society across genders and regions.

Socioeconomic Benefits of Literacy

Extensive research underscores the transformative impact of literacy on individuals and society. UNESCO notes that literacy “improves lives by expanding capabilities”, which in turn reduces poverty and boosts labor-force participation. Educated citizens have better employment prospects, higher earnings and are more likely to access health and social services. In particular, women’s literacy has a ripple effect: literate women tend to marry later, have healthier families, and ensure education for their children, magnifying social development gains. A literate population also fosters economic growth: it supports a skilled workforce for industry and innovation. At the national level, raising literacy rates is linked to achieving several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4 on quality education, SDG 5 on gender equality, SDG 1 on poverty reduction, etc.).

For India, universal education is not just a right but a strategic imperative. The National Education Policy 2020 explicitly targets 100% literacy by 2030, recognizing that India’s future competitiveness and inclusiveness depend on an educated citizenry. Higher literacy enables meaningful participation in democracy and technology, and underpins schemes like Digital India and Skill India. Thus, continuing to invest in school education, adult learning (via ULLAS/NILP), and related campaigns is vital. As India’s official reports emphasize, “education has the power to change the world”. Ongoing efforts to bring every child and adult into the literacy fold – whether in Goa or in tribal districts – reflect the country’s commitment to this vision.

Benefits of a Literate and Educated Population

1. Economic Growth: An educated workforce enhances productivity and contributes to economic development.

2. Health Improvements: Literacy leads to better health awareness, reducing mortality rates and improving overall well-being.

3. Empowerment: Education empowers individuals, especially women, leading to greater participation in decision-making processes.

4. Social Equity: Literacy reduces social disparities and promotes inclusive growth.

5. Technological Advancement: An educated populace is better equipped to adopt and innovate with new technologies.

6. Democratic Participation: Literacy fosters informed citizenry, enhancing participation in democratic processes. 

Conclusion:

While India has made commendable progress in improving literacy rates, challenges persist, especially in states with lower literacy levels. Continued investment in educational infrastructure, targeted schemes for marginalized groups, and community engagement are crucial to achieving universal literacy. The collective efforts of the government, civil society, and individuals will pave the way for a more educated and empowered India.

Sources: Official government statistics and releases were used. Literacy rates are drawn from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023–24 (MOSPI) as reported by official releases and the Press Information Bureau. Scheme details come from Ministry of Education press notes and government reports. General context on literacy’s benefits is from UNESCO analyses.

For more updates Follow The News Drill.
Contact us: contact@thenewsdrill.com
Canada Invites PM Modi to G7 Summit
FACT-CHECK: Was the Chhatarpur Victim a Dalit? Viral Claim Debunked
Match‑Fixing’ Claims from Rahul, ‘Unsubstantiated’ Retort from EC & BJP
Caste Survey for Social Justice” in Karnataka: Electoral Strategy or Merit Undermined?
Elon Musk vs. Donald Trump: Former Allies Turn Foes in Explosive Blame Game

Sign Up For Daily Newsletter

Be keep up! Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.

Join The News Drill

Get the latest news, insights, and podcasts directly to your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share
ByThe News Drill
Follow:

The News Drill offers real, unbiased news from India and beyond - no spin, no hype. Just facts that matter.

Previous Article India Surpasses Japan in GDP: A Reality Check on Per Capita, Growth & Global Standing
Next Article Upper Caste Privilege Is a Myth: Bihar Report Demands Policy Rethink
Leave a Comment Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Stay Connected

235.3kFollowersLike
69.1kFollowersFollow
11.6kFollowersPin
56.4kFollowersFollow
136kSubscribersSubscribe
4.4kFollowersFollow
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image

Latest News

Parliament 2025 Monsoon Session to Run from July 21 to August 21: Key Bills, Debates, and Political Stakes
politics Articles Delhi News Report Society
July 3, 2025
India Officially Nominates Ahmedabad for the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games
World Affairs Articles Destinations Sports
July 3, 2025
Delhi’s ELV Crackdown Falters: Is the Government Targeting the Poor While Ignoring Industrial Polluters?
Delhi News
July 3, 2025
Ripple Files for U.S. Bank License: A Bold Move to Reshape Crypto Finance
World Affairs Finance & Stocks Global Report World Economy
July 3, 2025
//

We influence 20 million users and is the number one business and technology news network on the planet

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!

The News DrillThe News Drill
Follow US
© 2025 The News Drill Network. All Rights Reserved.
Join Us!
Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss our latest news, podcasts etc..

Join The News Drill

Get the latest news, insights, and podcasts directly to your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Zero spam, Unsubscribe at any time.
Go to mobile version
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?