Rising Literacy Numbers
India Achieves 80.9 Percent Literacy in 2023–24: India’s literacy rate has reached 80.9% in 2023–24, up from 74% in 2011, marking a crucial step in the country’s social development. The announcement came from Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan during International Literacy Day 2025. He highlighted that literacy is not just a number but a tool for empowerment, dignity, and self-reliance.
Static GK fact: The first nationwide literacy survey in India was conducted in 1951 after Independence.
ULLAS Programme Driving Growth
The sharp rise in literacy is linked to ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, the government’s flagship mission. The programme has enrolled over 3 crore learners, supported by 42 lakh volunteers, with 1.83 crore learners assessed in basic literacy and numeracy. The programme achieved a 90% success rate in assessments and has rolled out materials in 26 Indian languages.
Static GK fact: September 8 is observed worldwide as International Literacy Day by UNESCO since 1967.
Regions Achieving Full Literacy
Certain regions have reached functional literacy milestones, including Ladakh (declared fully literate on 24 June 2024), along with Mizoram, Goa, Tripura, and Himachal Pradesh. These achievements show how literacy can grow even in states with difficult geographies and socio-economic barriers.
Static GK Tip: Kerala was the first Indian state to achieve near-total literacy in 1991 through the Kerala State Literacy Mission.
Literacy in the Digital Age
The meaning of literacy has expanded in India to include digital skills. Minister of State Jayant Chaudhary emphasized that India has become a model in creating digital public infrastructure, which boosts education, financial inclusion, and governance. He noted that India achieved in a decade what took other nations several decades.
Static GK fact: The Digital India initiative was launched in 2015 to promote digital empowerment and governance.
Towards Inclusive Learning
The literacy mission underlines that education is not just classroom learning but a lifelong process. The government, educators, and civil society have collaborated to make literacy a people’s movement. This collective approach is expected to sustain momentum and bring India closer to universal literacy.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
India Achieves 80.9 Percent Literacy in 2023–24:
| Topic | Detail |
| National Literacy Rate 2023–24 | 80.9% |
| Previous Census Literacy Rate | 74% (2011) |
| Main Programme | ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram |
| Learners Enrolled | Over 3 crore |
| Volunteers Mobilized | 42 lakh |
| Learners Assessed | 1.83 crore |
| Assessment Success Rate | 90% |
| Learning Languages | 26 Indian languages |
| States/UTs with Full Literacy | Ladakh, Mizoram, Goa, Tripura, Himachal Pradesh |
| International Literacy Day | September 8 |
