Top 10 States in India with the Highest Literacy Rates

Literacy is more than just the ability to read and write - it's a vital indicator of a country’s social and economic progress. India’s national literacy rate stood at 76% in 2022, according to the World Population Review. While the country has made notable strides in education, there's still a long way to go in ensuring inclusive and equitable access to learning. In a landmark achievement, Mizoram has now emerged as India’s first fully literate state, setting a new benchmark for the nation.

Mizoram Leads the Way with 98.2% Literacy

In a proud moment for the nation, Mizoram’s Chief Minister Lalduhoma announced on May 21, 2025, that the state has achieved full literacy, surpassing the 95% benchmark set by the Ministry of Education. With an impressive literacy rate of 98.2%, Mizoram is now officially India’s most literate state.

This milestone is the result of consistent investment in education, strong governance, and community-driven learning initiatives. Mizoram’s focus on teaching in local languages and creating inclusive learning environments has been key to this success. The achievement not only reflects educational excellence but also stands as a model for other states striving to close their literacy gaps.

Top 10 Most Literate States and UTs in India (2024)

Here’s a look at the leading regions in India when it comes to literacy:

1. Mizoram – 98.2%
2. Lakshadweep – 97.3%
3. Nagaland – 95.7%
4. Kerala – 95.3%
5. Meghalaya – 94.2%
6. Tripura – 93.7%
7. Chandigarh – 93.7%
8. Goa – 93.6%
9. Puducherry – 92.7%
10. Manipur – 92%

These states and union territories show that strong education systems and targeted policies can produce high literacy levels across both rural and urban areas.

Bottom 10 States/UTs With the Lowest Literacy Rates

Despite progress, several regions still face challenges in educational access and quality:

1. Andhra Pradesh – 72.6%
2. Bihar – 74.3%
3. Madhya Pradesh – 75.2%
4. Rajasthan – 75.8%
5. Jharkhand – 76.7%
6. Telangana – 76.9%
7. Uttar Pradesh – 78.2%
8. Chhattisgarh – 78.5%
9. Ladakh – 81%
10. Jammu and Kashmir – 82%

These figures highlight the urgent need for robust educational reforms, especially in rural and backward regions.

How Do Major Cities Fare?

Delhi
India’s capital has a literacy rate of 86.21%, with male literacy at 90.94% and female literacy at 80.76%. Although urbanisation has boosted access to schools, gender disparity and uneven quality remain challenges.

Mumbai
The financial capital boasts an 89.73% literacy rate. Male literacy is at 92.56% and female at 86.39%. While Mumbai has a strong education system, its slum population still struggles with access to consistent and quality education.

Bangalore
Known as the Silicon Valley of India, Bangalore has an 88.71% literacy rate. The city records 91.71% male and 85.44% female literacy. Despite its tech prowess, rural outskirts and under-resourced areas impact its overall performance.

Mizoram’s historic achievement is a powerful reminder that consistent policies, grassroots involvement, and inclusive learning strategies can transform education landscapes. As India works towards higher literacy for all, Mizoram shines as a beacon of possibility for every state aiming to bridge the gap.