- By Ridam Sharma
- Thu, 22 May 2025 10:13 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Highest Literacy Rate In India: The literacy rate of a country is a true mirror of its socio-economic development. The indian literacy rate in 2022 was recorded at 76 per cent, as per the World Population Review. Nationwide literacy plays a key role in a country’s economic growth, public health sector and overall development. As much as development has occurred in India, compared to most Asian emerging economies, a more inclusive and effective educational policy is needed, especially for the underprivileged. However, he good news is that one of the Indian states has become the first fully literate state.
Which Indian State Became the First Fully Literate State?
On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, Mizoram's Chief Minister Lalduhoma proudly announced that the state has attained "full literacy" status and has successfully surpassed the 95% literacy rate benchmark, established by the Ministry of Education. This announcement was a historic highlight for India’s education system and showcases Mizoram's commitment to education and its significant efforts to improve literacy levels across the state.
Mizoram has become the highest literate state in India, with a whopping literacy rate of 98.2% per cent. The state is widely known for its strong education infrastructure and good governance. Kerala has always led the country in literacy efforts; however, this year, Mizoram took an outstanding lead and became the first fully literate Indian state. The success of the state is mainly due to its focus on community-led learning and local language education programs that provide access to education for every citizen of the state. Mizoram’s success is an example for other states to fill those literacy gaps.
List Of Top 10 States/UTs In India With The Highest Literacy Rates In 2024:
| S.No. | State/UT | Total Literacy Rate |
| 1 | Mizoram | 98.2% |
| 2 | Lakshadweep | 97.3% |
| 3 | Nagaland | 95.7% |
| 4 | Kerala | 95.3% |
| 5 | Meghalaya | 94.2% |
| 6 | Tripura | 93.7% |
| 6 | Chandigarh | 93.7% |
| 8 | Goa | 93.6% |
| 9 | Puducherry | 92.7% |
| 10 | Manipur | 92% |
Data source: MoSPI PLFS 2023–24, (Men and Women, 7 years and above, Rural + Urban combined)
Bottom 10 States/UTs In India With The Lowest Literacy Rates In 2024:
| S.No. | State/UT | Total 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 And Kashmir | 82% |
Data source: MoSPI PLFS 2023–24, (Men and Women, 7 years and above, Rural + Urban combined)
Delhi’s Literacy Rate:
The capital of India, Delhi, has a literacy rate of 86.21 per cent, out of which male literacy stands at 90.94 per cent while female literacy is at 80.76 per cent. The urban culture has significantly affected school exposures and knowledge bases. Yet, new policies for a better education system need to be introduced in the capital for better literacy outcomes.
Mumbai’s Literacy Rate:
Mumbai in Maharashtra state has a literacy level of about 89.73 per cent, of which male and female literacy are 92.56 and 86.39 per cent. As a major metropolis in India, Mumbai has an extensive network of educational programs and institutions. However, slums remain vulnerable to education, which affects the literacy levels in the financially weaker section.
Bangalore’s Literacy Rate:
Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka, has recorded a literacy rate of 88.71 per cent, of which male and female literacy was 91.71 and 85.44 per cent. Even though it is a leading IT hub with high urbanisation, Bangalore is far behind in the list of higher literacy rates because of rural-urban gaps and poor access to quality education in some areas.
