Mizoram Becomes India’s First Fully Literate State

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Mizoram Becomes India’s First Fully Literate State

Mizoram has officially become India’s first fully literate state, with Chief Minister Lalduhoma declaring on Wednesday (May 21) that the state has achieved a literacy rate of ight 98.2%, surpassing the Ministry of Education’s 95% benchmark for full literacy.

The northeastern state, which recorded a 91.33% literacy rate in the 2011 Census, has made consistent progress through sustained education campaigns and community-driven initiatives. Mizoram’s achievement positions it as a national leader in literacy, offering a model for other states to follow.

India’s literacy rate has steadily increased over the years, rising from just 14% at independence to 80.9% in 2023–24, according to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS). However, regional disparities persist, with significant variations in literacy rates across different states.

Here is a look at the top 10 most and least literate states in India, based on the latest available data:

Top 10 Most Literate States (PLFS 2023–24 & Government Data)

  • Mizoram – 98.2%
  • Kerala – ~96% (latest estimates)
  • Tripura
  • Goa
  • Delhi
  • Himachal Pradesh
  • Maharashtra
  • Sikkim
  • Punjab
  • Tamil Nadu

Bottom 10 Least Literate States

  • Andhra Pradesh – 72.6%
  • Bihar – 74.3%
  • Rajasthan
  • Uttar Pradesh
  • Jharkhand
  • Chhattisgarh
  • Madhya Pradesh
  • Odisha
  • Assam
  • Jammu & Kashmir

Some data points for states beyond Andhra Pradesh and Bihar are based on previous census rounds and government literacy surveys.

Literacy, as defined by the Office of the Registrar General of India, includes the ability of individuals aged seven and above to read and write with understanding in any language.

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