Literacy level in India

The 15th official Census of India, conducted in 2011, revealed a literacy rate of 74.04%, a significant rise from just 12% at the end of British rule in 1947. Literacy is crucial for India's social and economic growth. Despite progress, many still lack basic reading and writing skills, particularly in rural areas where education access remains limited. The government mandates free education for children under 14, but illiteracy persists.

The female literacy rate is lower than the male rate, with 65.46% for women compared to over 80% for men. This disparity is largely due to cultural practices like early marriage and gender preference, though child marriage rates have declined. Government laws, NGOs, and awareness campaigns are working to improve female education.

Kerala leads the nation with near 100% literacy, followed by Goa, Tripura, Mizoram, Himachal Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Bihar has the lowest literacy rate. India, with over 1 billion people, is the second-most populous country in the world. Education, especially in rural areas, is hindered by poverty, lack of schools, and low awareness of the right to free education. However, efforts continue to raise literacy rates across the country.

India Literacy Rate by State