Himachal Pradesh Joins India's Literacy Leaders: What it Means for Learning Journeys

By ILSAP Programs • Oct 03, 2025

Introduction

India’s diversity is not only cultural and geographical but educational too. Across its 29 states and 8 union territories, progress in literacy has varied widely over the years. For decades, Kerala was hailed as India’s literacy pioneer, admired for its investments in public schooling, adult education, and equity-driven reforms. But in 2025, a new chapter unfolded: Himachal Pradesh achieved an extraordinary 99.3% literacy rate, joining the select group of states recognized as fully literate.

Kerala: The Trailblazer

Kerala has long been India’s benchmark in literacy, with its rate standing at 96.2%. Its success was built on consistent government investment, social reform movements, and widespread community participation in education. While its growth has plateaued in recent years, Kerala continues to play an iconic role in setting the foundation for what literacy can achieve in transforming society.

The Rise of Fully Literate States

In 2025, under the Union Government’s ULLAS – New India Literacy Programme, three states were officially declared fully literate:

Mizoram (98.2%) – the first Northeastern state to reach this milestone, powered by strong community-driven education systems and volunteer-led adult literacy campaigns.

Tripura (95.6%) – a remarkable transformation from just 20% literacy in 1961 to near-universal literacy today, achieved through grassroots outreach and multilingual campaigns.

Goa (99.7%) – declared fully literate on its 39th Statehood Day, Goa holds the highest literacy rate in the country. Its achievement reflects robust infrastructure, digital education, and inclusive policy implementation.

Together, these states demonstrated that literacy success is possible not only through historical legacy (like Kerala) but also through contemporary policy focus, strong community participation, and innovative approaches.