As citizens of India, understanding the literacy rate of our country is crucial. India, the world’s largest democracy, has made significant progress in improving literacy levels over the years. However, challenges remain, with disparities across states and between genders.
In this article, we provide an updated and detailed analysis of the literacy rate in India in 2025, including state-wise data, key trends, and insights into how we can further improve literacy levels nationwide.
India’s Literacy Rate in 2025:

As of 2025, India’s overall literacy rate stands at 77.7%, reflecting steady progress from earlier years. While this is an improvement from the 2011 Census figure of 74.04%, it still means that nearly one in four Indians remains unable to read or write.
The male literacy rate is 84.7%, while the female literacy rate is 70.3%, highlighting a persistent gender gap.
Key Highlights of India’s Literacy Rate
Category | Statistic |
---|---|
National Literacy Rate | 77.7% |
Male Literacy Rate | 84.7% |
Female Literacy Rate | 70.3% |
Most Literate State | Kerala (96.2%) |
Least Literate State | Andhra Pradesh (66.4%) |
State-Wise Literacy Rates in India (2025)
The literacy rates vary significantly across states, with some like Kerala achieving near-universal literacy and others like Andhra Pradesh and Bihar still struggling with low levels of education access.
Top Five Most Literate States/UTs
- Kerala – Literacy Rate: 96.2%: Kerala remains the most literate state in India due to its consistent focus on educational infrastructure and inclusive policies.
- Lakshadweep – Literacy Rate: 92.3%: Lakshadweep achieves high literacy rates through effective community-driven education programs.
- Mizoram – Literacy Rate: 91.6%: Mizoram excels due to its emphasis on education access even in remote areas.
- Goa – Literacy Rate: 90.2%: Goa benefits from strong school systems and high levels of educational awareness among its population.
- Daman and Diu – Literacy Rate: 89.4%: Daman and Diu maintain high literacy levels through urban-focused education initiatives.
Bottom Five Least Literate States
- Andhra Pradesh – Literacy Rate: 66.4%: Andhra Pradesh ranks last, struggling with inadequate school infrastructure and high dropout rates.
- Telangana – Literacy Rate: 66.54%: Telangana faces challenges in rural education access but has seen gradual progress due to government initiatives.
- Uttar Pradesh – Literacy Rate: 67.68%: Uttar Pradesh grapples with overcrowded schools and insufficient resources in rural areas.
- Arunachal Pradesh – Literacy Rate: 69.2%: Arunachal Pradesh faces challenges due to geographic isolation and limited access to quality education.
- Rajasthan – Literacy Rate: 69.7%: Rajasthan struggles with gender disparity, as the female literacy rate remains significantly lower than that of males.
State-Wise Literacy Data Table (2025)
Here is the State-Wise Literacy Data Table for 2025 :
S.No. | State / UT | Literacy Rate (2025) (%) |
---|---|---|
1 | Andaman & Nicobar Islands | 88.5 |
2 | Andhra Pradesh | 66.4 |
3 | Arunachal Pradesh | 69.2 |
4 | Assam | 85.9 |
5 | Bihar | 70.9 |
6 | Chandigarh | 89.2 |
7 | Chhattisgarh | 75.3 |
8 | Dadra and Nagar Haveli | 78.1 |
9 | Daman and Diu | 89.4 |
10 | Delhi | 88.7 |
11 | Goa | 90.2 |
12 | Gujarat | 82.4 |
13 | Haryana | 80.1 |
14 | Himachal Pradesh | 86.6 |
15 | Jammu and Kashmir | 73.4 |
16 | Jharkhand | 72.8 |
17 | Karnataka | 80.5 |
18 | Kerala | 96.2 |
19 | Lakshadweep | 92.3 |
20 | Madhya Pradesh | 74.8 |
21 | Maharashtra | 84.8 |
22 | Manipur | 79.6 |
23 | Meghalaya | 77.4 |
24 | Mizoram | 91.6 |
25 | Nagaland | 81.2 |
26 | Orissa | 78.9 |
27 | Puducherry | 87.4 |
28 | Punjab | 82.3 |
29 | Rajasthan | 69.7 |
30 | Sikkim | 83.5 |
31 | Tamil Nadu | 82.9 |
32 | Telangana | 66.54% |
33 | Tripura | 87.22% |
34 | Uttar Pradesh | 67.68% |
35 | Uttarakhand | 78.82% |
36 | West Bengal | 76.26% |
Government Initiatives for Improving Literacy
To address these challenges, the Indian government has implemented several programs aimed at improving literacy levels across the country:
- Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan: Focuses on universalizing elementary education.
- Beti Bachao Beti Padhao: Promotes girl child education.
- Samagra Shiksha: Integrates school education from pre-primary to senior secondary levels.
- National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: Aims for universal foundational literacy by focusing on early childhood care and education.
FAQs About Literacy in India
What is India’s literacy rate in 2025?
As of 2025, India’s overall literacy rate is approximately 77.7%.
Which state has the highest literacy rate?
Kerala leads with a remarkable 96.2% literacy rate.
What is the female literacy rate in India?
The female literacy rate stands at 70%, highlighting a significant gender gap compared to males (84%).
India has come a long way in improving its literacy rates but still has miles to go before achieving universal education for all its citizens! By addressing disparities and strengthening government initiatives, we can work toward building a more literate and empowered nation by the next decade!
2nd should be Mizoram
Next to Karela is Mizoram with 91.6%, how come states like Delhi, Assam rank better.
Given data is based on the official Indian government census, which was last conducted in 2011.
Yes you are Right but responsibility and work hard
Kerala is 1st( with 96.5%) and the rest nowhere. “Model state” Gujarat is 14% behind.
Being a citizen of Bihar a Master’s Electrical Engineer, I am pleased to see that Bihar being the most illiterate state , is now on 70% literacy rate…. Growth will not stop, & in some coming years we would reach 85-90% .