India has made remarkable progress in enhancing literacy levels over the years. Literacy is a crucial measure of a nation’s socio-economic development, reflecting the success of its education policies and initiatives.
This article explores the literacy rates of Indian states and union territories in 2024, offering insights into regional disparities and future challenges.
States and Union Territories by Literacy Rate
Below is a comprehensive table showcasing the literacy rates of Indian states and union territories in 2024, ranked from highest to lowest:
| Rank | State/Union Territory | Literacy Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kerala | 96.2 |
| 2 | Lakshadweep | 92.28 |
| 3 | Mizoram | 91.58 |
| 4 | Delhi | 88.7 |
| 5 | Tripura | 87.75 |
| 6 | Uttarakhand | 87.6 |
| 7 | Goa | 87.4 |
| 8 | Himachal Pradesh | 86.6 |
| 9 | Assam | 85.9 |
| 10 | Maharashtra | 84.8 |
| 11 | Punjab | 83.7 |
| 12 | Tamil Nadu | 82.9 |
| 13 | Gujarat | 82.4 |
| 14 | Sikkim | 82.2 |
| 15 | West Bengal | 80.5 |
| 16 | Haryana | 80.4 |
| 17 | Nagaland | 80.11 |
| 18 | Manipur | 79.85 |
| 19 | Odisha | 77.3 |
| – | Chhattisgarh | 77.3 |
| – | Jammu & Kashmir | 77.3 |
| 22 | Karnataka | 77.2 |
| 23 | Meghalaya | 75.48 |
| 24 | Jharkhand | 74.3 |
| 25 | Madhya Pradesh | 73.7 |
| 26 | Uttar Pradesh | 73.0 |
| 27 | Bihar | 70.9 |
| 28 | Rajasthan | 69.7 |
| 29 | Arunachal Pradesh | 66.95 |
| 30 | Andhra Pradesh | 66.4 |
This table highlights Kerala as the state with the highest literacy rate, maintaining its lead with an impressive figure of 96.2%, while Andhra Pradesh ranks lowest at 66.4%.
Key Observations
- Top Performers: Kerala, Lakshadweep, and Mizoram continue to excel due to strong educational infrastructure, community involvement, and gender-inclusive policies.
- Low Performers: States like Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Bihar face challenges such as inadequate access to education, high dropout rates, and socio-economic barriers.
- Gender Gap: Despite progress, there remains a significant gender disparity in literacy rates across many states, particularly in rural areas.
FAQs
Which state has the highest literacy rate in India?
Kerala leads with a literacy rate of 96.2%.
What is India’s overall literacy rate in recent years?
India’s overall literacy rate stands at approximately 77.7%.
How can India improve its literacy rates?
Andhra Pradesh has the lowest literacy rate at 66.4%.
How can India improve its literacy rates?
Improving rural education infrastructure, promoting adult education programs, and addressing gender disparities are key steps.
India’s journey toward higher literacy levels is commendable but requires sustained efforts to address regional inequalities and ensure inclusive education for all citizens across the nation.
