The latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023–24 by the National Sample Survey Office under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has unveiled India’s literacy performance, revealing an impressive national rate of 80.9% for individuals aged seven and above. However, a deeper look shows a landscape marked by sharp divides between states, regions, and demographics.
Literacy Leaders: Small States, Big Impact
Surprisingly, smaller and northeastern states have taken the lead in literacy. Mizoram tops the list with a staggering 98.2% literacy rate, closely followed by Lakshadweep (97.3%), Nagaland (97.2%), Kerala (95.3%), and Meghalaya (94.2%). These regions exemplify how focused community initiatives, robust schooling systems, and inclusive education policies can push literacy to near-universal levels.
Struggling at the Bottom: Larger States Under Pressure
At the other end of the spectrum, Andhra Pradesh reports the lowest literacy rate at 72.6%, predominantly due to rural underperformance. States like Bihar (74.3%), Madhya Pradesh (75.2%), Rajasthan (75.8%), and Jharkhand (76.7%) also show significant room for improvement. The sheer size and rural nature of these states present challenges, particularly in providing access to quality education and adult learning programmes.
Urban vs Rural: The Two-Speed Divide
India’s urban literacy rate stands at 88.9%, while rural areas lag at 77.5%, showing an 11.4-point gap. Madhya Pradesh demonstrates a 14-point divide, while Bihar and Rajasthan show gaps of over 10 points. Conversely, Mizoram and Kerala have succeeded in maintaining parity between urban and rural literacy, highlighting effective decentralised education outreach.
Gender Disparity: A Persistent Challenge
The national male literacy rate is 87.2%, while female literacy trails at 74.6%, resulting in a 12.6-point gender gap. Rural women fare worse, with a 14.3-point gap compared to rural men. However, some states are exceptions: Mizoram (2.2-point gap), Meghalaya (1.6), and Kerala (2.7) show that with the right support, gender parity in literacy is achievable.
Why It Matters
Literacy is more than an academic milestone; it is a gateway to economic opportunity, civic engagement, and social empowerment. While the national figures suggest progress, deep regional inequalities remain. The PLFS findings underline the urgent need for rural educational investment and gender-sensitive policies.
Small states offer a blueprint for success. By tailoring solutions to local contexts—be it language, geography or gender norms—India can move closer to ensuring every adult has the tools to thrive in the modern world.
