Dehradun: Uttarakhand has become a fully literate state, marking a historic milestone. Remarkably, its literacy rate rose by 14.9 percentage points in just two years. As a result, it reached an impressive 98.7% in 2025. Hence, the Uttarakhand fully literate state status is a key current affairs topic.
How Uttarakhand Became a Fully Literate State
In the academic year 2023-24, Uttarakhand’s literacy rate stood at 83.8%. Then, the state rigorously implemented the Centre’s Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram, also called ULLAS. Consequently, it achieved a dramatic turnaround.
Under ULLAS criteria, a state with a literacy rate above 95% can be declared fully literate. Following this benchmark, the Dhami Cabinet approved the proposal on Thursday. Thus, Uttarakhand formally became a fully literate state.
Uttarakhand Fully Literate State: The Numbers
Dr. Mukul Kumar Sati, Director of Secondary Education, drafted the original proposal. Importantly, it notes that 100% literacy is practically unachievable due to certain intellectual and physical disabilities. Therefore, officials treat 95% as the gold standard for full literacy.
- Total target population (above 7 years): Overall, about 1 crore 23 lakh 4 thousand 601 (12.3 million) in 2025.
- Remaining illiterate population: In contrast, only 1 lakh 31 thousand 986 people.
- Illiteracy percentage: Just 1.3% of the population remains illiterate. In other words, 98.7% of people are literate.
Uttarakhand Fully Literate State and the ULLAS Benchmark
Under the central ULLAS (Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram) initiative, a state earns the “Fully Literate” tag once it crosses 95% literacy. Specifically, this applies to its evaluated population. With this, Uttarakhand became the sixth state in India to reach this milestone.
Other Fully Literate States in India
Besides Uttarakhand, five other states have attained fully literate status under this benchmark:
1. Mizoram
- The milestone: Mizoram was officially declared India’s first fully literate state under current ULLAS guidelines. Moreover, its verified literacy rate is 98.2%.
- The success factor: Above all, community-led mobilisation, student volunteer networks and local NGOs worked directly with non-literate adults.
2. Kerala
- The milestone: Historically India’s pioneer in literacy, Kerala maintains high standards. Today, under the latest criteria, it records 95.3%.
- The success factor: Chiefly, decades of steady government funding, high primary enrolment and a strong focus on women’s education drove this success.
3. Goa
- The milestone: Goa has a certified literacy rate of 93.6% to 95%+ among core adult groups. Thus, it crossed the national standard to join the fully literate tier.
4. Himachal Pradesh
- The milestone: Clearly, Himachal Pradesh has a robust public school system despite tough mountain terrain. As a result, it has comfortably crossed the 95% threshold.
5. Tripura
- The milestone: Likewise, Tripura records a literacy rate of 95.6%. Notably, its strong state-level campaigns over the last decade have largely removed grassroots non-literacy.
Notable Union Territories
- Ladakh: First, on 24 June 2024, Ladakh became the first Union Territory declared fully literate under ULLAS.
- Lakshadweep: Similarly, this island territory has an exceptional literacy rate of 97.3%, driven by intense local literacy drives.
Why the Uttarakhand Fully Literate State Tag Matters for Exams
Notably, literacy data and ULLAS often appear in state and national exams. Therefore, remember the 95% benchmark, the 98.7% figure and the list of fully literate states. For official details, visit the Ministry of Education. Also, read our note on the administrative evolution of Uttarakhand.
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