World Computer Literacy Day is observed on December 2 every year to emphasise the importance of digital education and equitable access to technology, particularly among underserved communities. The day was instituted by NIIT (National Institute of Information Technology) in 2001 to promote computer literacy. In 2025, India marked this day amid significant progress in its digital inclusion programmes. India's BharatNet project has connected over 2 lakh gram panchayats with broadband internet, while the PM e-VIDYA platform expanded digital learning resources for school students across rural and semi-urban areas. The Digital India Mission — launched in 2015 — has been instrumental in improving digital infrastructure, digital literacy, and digital delivery of services. India has over 900 million internet users (2025), making it the world's second-largest internet market after China. However, the urban-rural digital divide and gender gap in digital literacy remain significant challenges. In Rajasthan, the state government's Indira Gandhi Smartphone Yojana (launched 2023) distributed smartphones to women from low-income families to enhance women's digital access and financial inclusion, with the scheme extended and expanded in 2025.
World Computer Literacy Day 2025: India Advances Digital Education and Bridging the Digital Divide
World Computer Literacy Day is observed on December 2 every year to emphasise the importance of digital education and equitable access to technology, particularly among underserved communities. The day was instituted by NIIT (National Institute of Information Technology) in 2001 to promote computer literacy. In 2025, India marked this day amid significant progress in its digital inclusion programmes. India's BharatNet project has connected over 2 lakh gram panchayats with broadband internet, while the PM e-VIDYA platform expanded digital learning resources for school students across rural and semi-urban areas. The Digital India Mission — launched in 2015 — has been instrumental in improving digital infrastructure, digital literacy, and digital delivery of services. India has over 900 million internet users (2025), making it the world's second-largest internet market after China. However, the urban-rural digital divide and gender gap in digital literacy remain significant challenges. In Rajasthan, the state government's Indira Gandhi Smartphone Yojana (launched 2023) distributed smartphones to women from low-income families to enhance women's digital access and financial inclusion, with the scheme extended and expanded in 2025.
Key facts
- World Computer Literacy Day observed on December 2 was instituted by NIIT in 2001.
- India has over 900 million internet users making it the world's second-largest internet market.
- BharatNet has connected over 2 lakh gram panchayats with broadband internet.
- The Digital India Mission launched in 2015 improved digital infrastructure and literacy nationwide.
- Urban-rural digital divide and gender gap in digital literacy remain significant challenges.
- Rajasthan's Indira Gandhi Smartphone Yojana distributed smartphones to low-income women.
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World Computer Literacy Day 2025 focused on digital education. When is it observed?
World Computer Literacy Day is observed on December 2 every year.
Source: Digital India Mission / PIB
Frequently asked questions
When is World Computer Literacy Day observed and who established it?
World Computer Literacy Day is observed every year on December 2. It was instituted by NIIT (National Institute of Information Technology) in 2001 to promote digital education and computer literacy.
What is India's rank in global internet users and the current user count?
India has over 900 million internet users, making it the world's second-largest internet market. This large user base underscores the country's rapid digital expansion over the past decade.
What is BharatNet and what has it achieved?
BharatNet is India's flagship project to connect rural areas with broadband internet. It has successfully connected over 2 lakh gram panchayats with broadband, aiming to bridge the urban-rural digital divide.
What are the major challenges in India's digital literacy as highlighted on Computer Literacy Day 2025?
The urban-rural digital divide and the gender gap in digital literacy remain significant challenges in India. Marginalized and rural communities continue to have lower access to digital devices and internet connectivity.
What did Rajasthan do to promote digital literacy among women?
Rajasthan launched the Indira Gandhi Smartphone Yojana which distributed smartphones to low-income women in the state. This initiative aimed at empowering women digitally and reducing the gender gap in digital access.
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