Published: 31 August 2025PIBGovernance
India Launches ULLAS Literacy Week 2025; Literacy Rate Reaches 80.9%
The Ministry of Education organised ULLAS Literacy Week 2025 from September 1-8, culminating on International Literacy Day (September 8). India's literacy rate has risen from 74% in 2011 to 80.9% in 2023-24 under the ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) programme, launched in 2022 as part of the National Education Policy 2020 framework.
The 2025 theme was 'Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era,' focusing on digital literacy as a fundamental skill alongside traditional reading and writing. The ULLAS initiative operates through a mobile application that enables self-paced learning for adult learners, with learning material available in 22 languages. As of August 2025, the ULLAS app has registered over 2.80 crore learners, with Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan leading in enrolment numbers.
Rajasthan's literacy rate has improved to 73.5%, though it remains below the national average. The state government has been focusing on women's literacy through the Saakshar Mahila Abhiyaan in rural districts, targeting over 15 lakh women beneficiaries across 33 districts. During the Literacy Week, 648 districts across India organised awareness rallies, workshops, and mass enrolment drives. The programme aims to achieve a national literacy rate of 95% by 2030, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal 4 on quality education.
0Mains angle
Q: Analyse the achievements of the ULLAS programme under NEP 2020 in improving India's literacy rate and outline remaining challenges for Rajasthan.
Answer (50 words):
The Ministry of Education organised ULLAS Literacy Week 2025 from September 1-8, culminating on International Literacy Day. India's literacy rate rose from 74 percent in 2011 to 80.9 percent in 2023-24 under ULLAS, launched 2022 within NEP 2020. Rajasthan improved to 73.5 percent, below the national average, through Saakshar Mahila Abhiyaan.
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CoverageNationalTypeCampaignSubjectNationalExamBasic Computer Instructor · CET Graduation · CET Senior Secondary · EO/RO · LDC · Mahila Supervisor · Patwar · PTI · RAS · REET · RPSC SI · School Lecturer · Senior Computer Instructor · Senior Teacher · UPSC · Vanpal · BothSourcePIB
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Linked questionMedium
Who launched the Rajasthan Tourism Policy 2025?
Explanation · Correct answer DCM Bhajanlal Sharma launched the Rajasthan Tourism Policy 2025 on December 10 at JECC, Jaipur.
Frequently asked questions
What does ULLAS stand for and what is it?
**ULLAS** stands for **Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society**. It is India's **New India Literacy Programme (NILP)** implemented by the Ministry of Education during FYs 2022-23 to 2026-27 for non-literates aged 15 years and above.
What is India's current literacy rate as per ULLAS 2025?
As per ULLAS 2025, India's **literacy rate has reached 80.9%**, showing significant improvement. The programme targets making India fully literate by **2026-27** by engaging 5 crore non-literates annually.
What is ULLAS Literacy Week and when is it observed?
**ULLAS Literacy Week** is observed around **International Literacy Day (September 8)** to intensify efforts under NILP, targeting non-literates above 15 years of age using the DIKSHA portal and volunteer network.
How many non-literates does the ULLAS/NILP programme target annually?
The **New India Literacy Programme (NILP)** targets **5 crore non-literates** in the 15+ age group over FYs 2022-23 to 2026-27, covering foundational literacy, numeracy, critical life skills, and vocational skills aligned with NEP 2020.
Which state was declared fully literate under ULLAS in 2025?
**Himachal Pradesh** was declared the **fifth fully literate State/UT** under the ULLAS programme in 2025, following Uttarakhand and other states that achieved 95%+ literacy rates.
