India’s literacy rate climbs to 80.9%: Union education minister Pradhan

India marked International Literacy Day 2025 with Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announcing that the country’s literacy rate has risen from 74% in 2011 to 80.9% in 2023–24.

While calling the progress encouraging, he stressed that literacy must serve as a tool for empowerment, dignity, and self-reliance rather than being limited to reading and writing skills.

“Literacy goes beyond reading and writing. It is about enabling people to live with confidence and independence,” Pradhan said in his virtual address.

The minister credited the ULLAS–Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram for driving the improvement, noting that more than 3 crore learners and 42 lakh volunteers are part of the program.

Around 1.83 crore learners have already taken foundational literacy and numeracy tests, achieving a 90% success rate.

Study materials have also been made available in 26 Indian languages to ensure inclusivity.

Pradhan praised Ladakh, Mizoram, Goa, Tripura, and Himachal Pradesh for achieving 100% literacy, calling it proof of what collaborative efforts by governments, communities, and volunteers can achieve.

This year’s theme, “Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era,” highlighted how technology is shaping reading, numeracy, and lifelong learning opportunities nationwide.

Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary added that literacy in India now extends to digital skills.

He underlined that the country’s digital public infrastructure has accelerated inclusion, achieving in 10 years what takes many nations nearly 50.