Top 10 States in India with the Highest Literacy Rate

India’s literacy rates vary significantly across states, with Kerala leading at 96.2%. The National Statistical Office's survey reveals urban areas show higher literacy rates than rural regions. Bihar reports the lowest literacy at 61.8%. The data highlights regional disparities and efforts needed to improve education access nationwide.

Nov 19, 2024, 18:29 IST
Top 10 States in India with the Highest Literacy Rate
Top 10 States in India with the Highest Literacy Rate

As per the Ministry of Education, the literacy rates in India show a major deviation between states. A recent report indicated that Kerala had the highest literacy rate, which was 94%, followed by Lakshadweep at 91.85% and Mizoram at 91.33%. 

Besides these surveys, the National Statistical Office conducted one called 'Household Social Consumption: Education in India as part of 75th round of National Sample Survey'. The same has also been made available state-wise literateness percentage of persons aged seven years and above. These reports say that on average, in India, literacy stands around 77.7% in urban areas 87.7% and 73.5 % in rural areas.

Top 10 States in India with the Highest Literacy Rate

Based on the most recent data, the following are the top ten states in India with the highest literacy rates:

Rank

State

Literacy Rate (%)

1

Kerala

96.2

2

Mizoram

91.58

3

Delhi

88.7

4

Tripura

87.75

5

Uttarakhand

87.6

6

Goa

87.4

7

Himachal Pradesh

86.6

8

Assam

85.9

9

Maharashtra

84.8

10

Punjab

83.7

Key Insights

As per the Ministry of Education, the literacy rates in India show a major deviation between states. 

  • A recent report indicated that Kerala had the highest literacy rate, which was 94%, followed by Lakshadweep at 91.85% and Mizoram at 91.33%. 
  • The above information was shared by Union Minister of State for Education Annapurna Devi, replying to a query in Lok Sabha, which also showed that Bihar had the lowest literacy rate of 61.8%.
  • Besides these surveys, the National Statistical Office conducted one called 'Household Social Consumption: Education in India as part of 75th round of National Sample Survey'. 

Kerala has successfully maintained its high literacy rate of approximately 96.2% through a series of innovative and inclusive programs spearheaded by the Kerala State Literacy Mission Authority (KSLMA).

Key initiatives include the New India Literacy Programme (NILP), which targets marginalized groups, and specialized programs for tribal communities that employ local instructors to foster trust and relevance. The Changathi Project focuses on educating migrant labourers, while social literacy programs address essential life skills such as health awareness and civic responsibilities.

The same has also been made available state-wise literateness percentage of persons aged seven years and above. These reports say that on average, in India, literacy stands around 77.7% in urban areas 87.7% and 73.5 % in rural areas.

Kirti Sharma
Kirti Sharma

Content Writer

Kirti Sharma is a content writing professional with 3 years of experience in the EdTech Industry and Digital Content. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and worked with companies like ThoughtPartners Global, Infinite Group, and MIM-Essay. She writes for the General Knowledge and Current Affairs section of JagranJosh.com.

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