India has reached a major milestone in its literacy journey, with the national literacy rate rising from 74% in 2011 to 80.9% in 2023–24, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced on International Literacy Day 2025. He emphasized that literacy should empower citizens with dignity, self-reliance, and opportunities beyond just numbers.
The progress is largely credited to the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, which has enrolled over 3 crore learners, mobilized 42 lakh volunteers, and achieved a 90% pass rate in foundational literacy and numeracy assessments. Learning content has been provided in 26 Indian languages, ensuring inclusivity.
Several regions have now achieved full literacy, including Ladakh, Mizoram, Goa, Tripura, and Himachal Pradesh, showcasing policy impact even in challenging areas.
Highlighting the theme of “Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era”, the government stressed that literacy today also includes digital skills, essential for education, inclusion, and economic growth. India’s digital public infrastructure has accelerated progress, setting a global example in bridging literacy and technology.
