Himachal Pradesh Records 99.3% Literacy Rate, Becomes Fourth Literate State In India

Last Updated:September 09, 2025, 11:55 IST

Under Ullas, a state is considered fully literate when at least 95% of its population above 15 years can read, write and perform basic numeracy tasks needed in daily life.

With 99.3% literacy rate, Himachal Pradesh has become the fourth literate state after Mizoram, Tripura and Goa.

With 99.3% literacy rate, Himachal Pradesh has become the fourth literate state after Mizoram, Tripura and Goa.

“At the time of Independence, the entire country was known as illiterate, and Himachal’s literacy rate was just 7 per cent. After 78 years of Independence, Himachal has become a fully literate state," Chief minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu said on Monday on the occasion of International Literacy Day on September 8, under the ULLAS (Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society) programme.

Under Ullas, a state is considered fully literate when at least 95% of its population above 15 years can read, write and perform basic numeracy tasks needed in daily life. Since its launch in 2022, ULLAS has been implemented in a mission mode across the country, aiming to empower non-literate youth and adults (15+ years) with Foundational literacy, numeracy, and critical life skills.

Criticising the previous BJP government, he said: “Before our government, the standard of public education had fallen sharply despite having good teachers and facilities. During the BJP’s tenure, many wrong decisions were taken regarding education. Our government has made several changes, and in the next five years, we will change the face of school education. Our government will reduce the pressure on teachers."

During the address, Education Secretary Rakesh Kanwar said, “Today is a day of pride and a historic day for Himachal. On May 5, 1988, Rajiv Gandhi launched the National Literacy Mission."

On May 20 this year, Mizoram became the first fully literate state in India. Ladakh is the first Union Territory to have achieved this feat in June 2024.

“We are hoping 10 more states will declare themselves fully literate by the end of this year," HT quoted Archana Sharma Awasthi, joint secretary, Union education ministry, as saying at an event to mark the International Literacy Day 2025.

During event on Monday, Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan said: “India’s literacy rate has risen from 74% in 2011 to 80.9% in 2023-24. However, true progress will be achieved only when literacy becomes a lived reality for every citizen."

News india Himachal Pradesh Records 99.3% Literacy Rate, Becomes Fourth Literate State In India

Read More