Literacy in India: 2024 Overview
Literacy in India: 2024 Overview
- Total literacy rate (India, 2023–24): 80.9% (ages 7+, rural + urban combined).
- Literacy is a key human development and economic progress indicator.
Top 10 States/UTs by Literacy Rate (2024)
| Rank | State / UT | 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 | 92.0 |
Highlights:
- Mizoram declared fully literate, surpassing 95% threshold.
- Kerala, historically a literacy leader, ranks 4th.
- Northeastern states dominate top ranks.
Bottom 10 States/UTs by Literacy Rate (2024)
| Rank | State / UT | 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 | 81.0 |
| 10 | Jammu & Kashmir | 82.0 |
Highlights:
- Lowest literacy rates in southern & central states (Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan).
- Shows regional disparities in education.
Data source: MoSPI PLFS 2023–24, (Men and Women, 7 years and above, Rural + Urban combined)
Updated - June 6, 2025 11:26 AM | Indian Express