Mizoram Declared First Fully Literate State in India

Mizoram has officially been declared India’s first fully literate state, marking a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards inclusive education. The announcement was made by Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on 20 May 2025, during a ceremony held at Mizoram University in Aizawl.

The declaration follows the successful implementation of the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram (New India Literacy Programme), a centrally sponsored scheme focused on adult education for those aged 15 years and above. Aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, the programme covers five areas: foundational literacy and numeracy, basic education, critical life skills, vocational skills, and continuing education.

According to the 2011 Census, Mizoram had already achieved a high literacy rate of 91.33%, placing it third in the country. To bridge the remaining gap, a door-to-door survey conducted by Cluster Resource Centre Coordinators (CRCCs) in August–September 2023 identified 3,026 non-literate individuals. Of these, 1,692 actively engaged in learning activities. This progress helped the state surpass the 95% literacy threshold required to be considered fully literate, as per the Ministry of Education’s criteria. The 2023–24 PFLS survey further confirmed Mizoram’s literacy rate at 98.20%.

This achievement was made possible through the efforts of 292 volunteer teachers, including students, educators, and CRCCs, who supported learners at the grassroots level. Their contribution, driven by community spirit and a strong sense of duty, was instrumental in reaching every corner of the state.

The event was attended by Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education; Vanlalthlana, Mizoram’s Minister of School, Higher and Technical Education; Chief Secretary Khilli Ram Meena; and Special Secretary David Lalthantluanga, among other dignitaries and students.

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Mizoram’s accomplishment offers a model for other states aiming to eliminate adult illiteracy. Nationally, the ULLAS scheme has seen more than 2.37 crore learners and over 40.84 lakh volunteer teachers registered through the mobile app. Earlier, on 24 June 2024, Ladakh became the first administrative unit in India to declare full literacy.