International Literacy Day 2025: Himachal Pradesh becomes fully literate; India's literacy at 80.9%
The Ministry of Education marked International Literacy Day on 8 September 2025 with the theme 'Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era', as Himachal Pradesh became the fifth fully literate State/UT.
Summary
The Ministry of Education's Department of School Education and Literacy celebrated International Literacy Day (ILD) 2025 on 8 September at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, with the theme 'Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era'. Himachal Pradesh became the fourth state to achieve full functional literacy, joining Tripura, Mizoram and Goa, which makes it the fifth fully literate State/UT; Ladakh was declared the first fully literate Union Territory on 24 June 2024. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said India's literacy rate rose from 74% in 2011 to 80.9% in 2023–24. Under the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, over 3 crore learners and 42 lakh volunteers have enrolled, and nearly 1.83 crore learners have taken the foundational literacy and numeracy assessment with 90% success. Minister of State Jayant Chaudhary addressed the event.
Key facts
- Day
- International Literacy Day, 8 Sep 2025
- Theme
- Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era
- New fully literate state
- Himachal Pradesh (4th state; 5th State/UT)
- Earlier fully literate
- Tripura, Mizoram, Goa; Ladakh (first UT, 24 Jun 2024)
- Literacy rate
- 74% (2011) → 80.9% (2023–24)
- ULLAS
- >3 crore learners, 42 lakh volunteers; ~1.83 crore assessed, 90% success
Practice MCQs 5 questions
Which state was recognised as fully literate on International Literacy Day 2025, becoming the fifth fully literate State/UT in India?
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Correct answer: B — Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh became the fourth state (fifth State/UT) to achieve full functional literacy, after Tripura, Mizoram, Goa and Ladakh.
What was the theme of International Literacy Day 2025 as celebrated by the Ministry of Education?
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Correct answer: C — Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era
The Ministry of Education celebrated ILD 2025 with the theme 'Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era'.
Which was the first Union Territory to be declared fully literate, as recalled by the Ministry of Education on International Literacy Day 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Ladakh
Ladakh was declared the first fully literate Union Territory on 24 June 2024.
According to Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on International Literacy Day 2025, India's literacy rate rose from 74% in 2011 to what level in 2023–24?
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Correct answer: B — 80.9%
Shri Pradhan said India's literacy rate rose from 74% in 2011 to 80.9% in 2023–24.
Consider the following statements about the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram as reported on International Literacy Day 2025: 1. Over 3 crore learners and 42 lakh volunteers have enrolled. 2. Nearly 1.83 crore learners have taken the foundational literacy and numeracy assessment, with 90% success. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both figures were cited by the Education Minister: over 3 crore learners and 42 lakh volunteers enrolled, and about 1.83 crore learners assessed with 90% success.