- By Aditi Priya Singh
- Mon, 26 May 2025 01:46 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Top 10 Indian States With Lowest Literacy Rate: Although education in India has advanced significantly, some states still have low literacy rates. The capacity to read and write is known as literacy, and it is crucial to the advancement of any state. People still have difficulty accessing quality education in some regions of the nation, particularly in rural and tribal areas. Many kids don't attend school because of things like poverty, a lack of schools, inadequate facilities, and cultural beliefs. Girls are frequently prohibited from attending school, and children are compelled to work to provide for their families.
Despite numerous government initiatives, states with some of the lowest literacy rates are Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh. Even though facilities are gradually getting better, issues like a lack of awareness, poor teaching quality, and distance still have an impact on education. According to the most recent data, this list identifies the top 10 Indian states with the lowest literacy rates and explains the educational challenges faced by these states. Understanding this enables us to pinpoint areas in which we need to put in more effort.
List Of Top 10 Indian States With Lowest Literacy Rate And Reason Behind It
Here is the list of the top 10 States and UTs with the lowest literacy rate and why each of these Indian states/UTs has a low literacy rate:
| Rank | States | Literacy Rate |
| 1. | Andhra Pradesh | 72.6% |
| 2. | Bihar | 74.3% |
| 3. | Madhya Pradesh | 75.2% |
| 4. | Rajasthan | 75.8% |
| 5. | Jharkhand | 76.7% |
| 6. | Telangana | 76.9% |
| 7. | Uttar Pradesh | 78.2% |
| 8. | Chhattisgarh | 78.5% |
| 9. | Ladakh | 81% |
| 10. | Jammu & Kashmir | 82% |
Source: MoSPI PLFS 2023-2024 (Rural and urban combined)
1. Andhra Pradesh – 72.6%
Top 10 Indian states with the lowest literacy rate (Image: Canva)
In India, Andhra Pradesh has the lowest literacy rate. The inability to get high-quality education in rural and tribal areas is one of the main causes. Particularly for girls, many families still place a higher priority on work than education. Learning is also impacted by inadequate school facilities and a teacher shortage.
2. Bihar – 74.3%
Bihar suffers from poverty and inadequate educational resources, particularly in rural areas. Many kids leave school to provide for their families. The state's efforts to raise its literacy rate have been hampered by traditional attitudes and a lack of funding for educational institutions.
3. Madhya Pradesh – 75.2%
Tribal communities and underdeveloped areas in Madhya Pradesh frequently lack access to basic educational resources. Significant obstacles include low teacher-to-student ratios, child marriage at a young age, and a lack of understanding of the importance of education.
4. Rajasthan – 75.8%
The primary cause of Rajasthan's low literacy rate is gender inequality. Particularly in rural areas, girls are frequently kept out of school. Children find it difficult to regularly attend school due to harsh weather and long commutes.
5. Jharkhand – 76.7%
Top 10 Indian states with the lowest literacy rate (Image: Canva)
A major tribal population resides in isolated wooded areas with few schools in Jharkhand. Access to education is hampered by poor roads and low income levels. Many families rely on their kids to help out around the house or on the farm.
6. Telangana – 76.9%
Despite Telangana's progress in many areas, there are still a number of underdeveloped districts without good schools. Economic concerns and urban-rural divides prevent many kids, particularly girls, from attending school. Schooling is also disrupted by job migration.
7. Uttar Pradesh – 78.2%
Since Uttar Pradesh is the most populated state in India, it is very difficult to educate everyone. Poor student-teacher ratios and a lack of facilities are common in government schools. Children in rural areas are prevented from finishing school by poverty and early marriage.
8. Chhattisgarh – 78.5%
Similar to Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh has a large tribal population and experiences frequent disruptions as a result of Naxalite activity. Girls are particularly impacted by social norms and inadequate facilities, and many children leave school early to work.
9. Ladakh – 81%
Top 10 Indian states with the lowest literacy rate (Image: Canva)
Schooling is challenging in Ladakh due to the severe weather and isolated locations. Schools are closed for months during the long, cold winters. In high-altitude villages, there is also a shortage of qualified teachers.
10. Jammu & Kashmir – 82%
Despite progress, political unrest and regional strife continue to plague Jammu & Kashmir. Curfews and shutdowns frequently have an impact on education. Lack of resources and poor connectivity exacerbate the issue in isolated hilly regions.
