Published: 7 September 2025PIBPolitics
International Literacy Day 2025: India's Literacy Rate Rises to 80.9%
The Ministry of Education celebrated International Literacy Day on September 8, 2025 with the theme 'Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era'. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced that India's literacy rate has risen from 74% in 2011 to 80.9% in 2023-24 as per the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS).
The ULLAS-Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram has enrolled over 3 crore learners and 42 lakh volunteers, with 1.83 crore learners taking foundational literacy assessments achieving a 90% success rate. Five regions — Ladakh, Tripura, Mizoram, Goa, and Himachal Pradesh — have achieved full functional literacy. Rajasthan remains among lower-ranked states in PLFS 2023-24, with a 75.8% literacy rate for persons aged 7 years and above.
0Mains angle
Q: Analyse the achievements and remaining gaps in India's literacy mission as marked by International Literacy Day 2025.
Answer (50 words):
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced that the literacy rate rose from 74 per cent in 2011 to 80.9 per cent in 2023-24 PLFS. ULLAS enrolled three crore learners and forty-two lakh volunteers, with Ladakh, Tripura, Mizoram, Goa and Himachal Pradesh achieving full functional literacy, while Rajasthan trails at 67.06 per cent.
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CoverageNationalSubjectNationalExamBasic 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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The last caste census in India was conducted by the British in which year?
Explanation · Correct answer AThe last caste census was conducted by the British in 1931. Census 2027 will include the first nationwide caste enumeration in independent India.
Frequently asked questions
What is International Literacy Day 2025 and India's literacy rate?
**International Literacy Day celebrated on September 8, 2025 with theme 'Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era'**. International Literacy Day is September 8, and India's literacy rate reached 80.9% in 2025.
How has India's literacy improved from 2011 Census to 2025?
**India's literacy rate rose from 74% in 2011 to 80.9% in 2023-24 as per PLFS**. India's literacy rose from 74% (2011 Census) to 80.9% (2025), driven by education schemes and digital learning.
What is the theme of International Literacy Day 2025?
**ULLAS-Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram enrolled over 3 crore learners and 42 lakh volunteers**. UNESCO observes International Literacy Day annually to highlight literacy as a foundation for sustainable development.
Which Indian states have the lowest literacy rates?
**1.83 crore learners took foundational literacy assessments with 90% success rate**. Rajasthan, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand have India's lowest literacy rates, below the national 80.9%.
How does India's 80.9% literacy compare globally?
**Five regions achieved full functional literacy: Ladakh, Tripura, Mizoram, Goa, and Himachal Pradesh**. Global literacy is ~87%; India at 80.9% is improving steadily but still below the world average.
