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By Ankit Gupta
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Updated on 29 May 2025, 14:53 IST
Literacy is one of the most important signs of a country’s growth. It shows how many people in a country can read and write. In India, education plays a key role in building a better future for individuals and the nation. That’s why the literacy rate in India is an important topic for everyone to know about.
But what is the literacy rate? In simple words, it means the percentage of people aged 7 and above who can read and write in any language. The literacy rate definition helps us understand how educated the people of a place are. A high literacy rate usually means better jobs, better health, and a better life.
India’s overall literacy rate is improving every year, but it is not the same in all states. Some states are doing very well in education, while others are still trying to catch up. So, which state has the highest literacy rate in India? And which state in India has the lowest literacy rate? These are questions many people ask.
In this blog, we will talk about the top 10 states with the highest literacy rate in India. We will also explain the literacy rate meaning, show state-wise comparisons, and talk about the female literacy rate in India. You will also learn about the Kerala literacy rate, Uttar Pradesh literacy rate, and the literacy rate of Bihar, which is the lowest in India.
The literacy rate is the percentage of people aged 7 years and above who can read and write with understanding. It shows how educated a population is. The literacy rate meaning tells us how many people in a place know how to read and write. A high literacy rate means better education and more development.
As per the latest National Statistical Office (NSO) survey, the literacy rate in India is around 77.7%. However, it varies a lot from one state to another. Some states have a high literacy rate, while others still have a long way to go.
Kerala has the highest literacy rate in India. This South Indian state has always been ahead in education and awareness. Let's now look at the top 10 states with the highest literacy rate in India, based on recent data from government sources
| Rank | State | Literacy Rate (%) | Male Literacy Rate (%) | Female Literacy Rate (%) |
| 1 | Kerala | 94.0 | 96.1 | 92.1 |
| 2 | Lakshadweep (UT) | 91.8 | 95.6 | 87.9 |
| 3 | Mizoram | 91.3 | 93.3 | 89.3 |
| 4 | Tripura | 88.9 | 92.2 | 85.5 |
| 5 | Goa | 88.7 | 92.6 | 84.5 |
| 6 | Himachal Pradesh | 86.6 | 89.5 | 83.6 |
| 7 | Maharashtra | 86.5 | 91.2 | 81.3 |
| 8 | Sikkim | 85.6 | 89.4 | 81.1 |
| 9 | Tamil Nadu | 84.0 | 89.0 | 79.4 |
| 10 | Nagaland | 83.8 | 85.8 | 81.7 |
Kerala literacy rate is 94%, the highest literacy rate state in India. This state has always prioritized education. From early childhood to higher studies, Kerala has strong education programs and high school enrollment rates.
Though a Union Territory, Lakshadweep has an impressive 91.8% literacy rate. It shows how even remote regions can excel with focused efforts.
Mizoram comes third with a literacy rate of 91.3%. The people of this Northeast state value education highly, and even remote villages have schools.
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Tripura, another Northeastern state, has shown a great rise in literacy, reaching 88.9%.
Known for tourism, Goa also ranks high in education with an 88.7% literacy rate.
Himachal Pradesh has a literacy rate of 86.6% and continues to do well in both male and female education.
With an 86.5% literacy rate, Maharashtra shows good results, especially in urban areas like Mumbai and Pune.
A small yet progressive state, Sikkim has a literacy rate of 85.6%.
Tamil Nadu scores 84.0% in literacy, with big cities and rural areas both seeing growth.
With 83.8% literacy, Nagaland completes our top 10 list.
Now that we’ve looked at the high achievers, let’s briefly look at where improvement is needed.
| State | Literacy Rate (%) |
| Bihar | 61.8 |
| Arunachal Pradesh | 65.4 |
| Rajasthan | 66.1 |
| Jharkhand | 66.4 |
| Uttar Pradesh (UP) | 69.7 |
The female literacy rate in India is lower than that of males. However, states like Kerala and Mizoram show that with the right push, women can excel in education too.
| State | Female Literacy Rate (%) |
| Kerala | 92.1 |
| Mizoram | 89.3 |
| Tripura | 85.5 |
| Goa | 84.5 |
| Tamil Nadu | 79.4 |
States with high female literacy rate in India often have:
Understanding what is the literacy rate and improving it is important for many reasons:
India is growing fast, but for real progress, education is the key. Knowing the literacy rate meaning helps us understand where we are and what we need to improve. From Kerala literacy rate to the UP literacy rate, each number tells a story of success or struggle. If every state works towards better education, India’s literacy rate in India can grow faster and create a better future.
The literacy rate in India is approximately 77.7%, according to the National Statistical Office (NSO). This means about 78 out of every 100 people aged 7 and above can read and write. However, the literacy rate differs across states
Kerala has the highest literacy rate in India, with a literacy rate of about 94%. Kerala’s strong focus on education, women empowerment, and free public schooling has made it the leading high literacy rate state in India.
The literacy rate of Bihar is around 61.8%, which is the lowest literacy rate in India. Despite improvements in recent years, Bihar still struggles with access to quality education in many rural areas.
The female literacy rate in India is lower than the male literacy rate. While male literacy is above 80%, the female literacy rate is around 70%. States like Kerala and Mizoram have shown excellent progress in closing this gap.
The Uttar Pradesh literacy rate is about 69.7%. This is below the national average, but the state is taking steps to improve education, especially for girls and students in rural areas.
Understanding what is literacy rate is important because it shows the education level of people in a country or state. A higher literacy rate in India leads to better job opportunities, improved health, and overall national development.