Himachal Pradesh Achieves 99.55% Literacy Rate, Ranks Second Nationally After Goa
State honoured nationally as literacy drive nears completion.
Himachal Pradesh has achieved a literacy rate of 99.55 per cent under the New India Literacy Programme (ULLAS), placing the state second nationally and earning it a national award on International Literacy Day. The achievement reflects the state's continued efforts to expand basic and functional literacy among adults. Education Minister Rohit Thakur received the award on behalf of Himachal Pradesh in Delhi and credited teachers, students, volunteers and government officials for contributing to the milestone.
The state had been declared fully literate in 2025, when its literacy rate stood at 99.3 per cent. The latest figure represents a further improvement and places Himachal Pradesh just behind Goa, which has a reported literacy rate of 99.7 per cent. The state government has now set its sights on achieving 100 per cent literacy during the 2026-27 period, with officials focusing on reaching those who remain outside the literacy programme.
ULLAS was launched nationally in 2022 with the objective of providing basic education and functional literacy to non-literate people aged 15 years and above. Himachal Pradesh began implementing the programme during 2023-24, and the initiative has since been extended across all 12 districts of the state. The programme seeks to support adults in acquiring foundational literacy while also creating opportunities for continued learning and skill development.
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According to figures shared by the state government, 94,930 learners have been identified and registered through the ULLAS portal in Himachal Pradesh. In addition, 19,232 volunteer teachers have registered and undergone training to assist learners. Their participation has been an important part of the state's effort to reach people who may not have had access to formal educational opportunities earlier.
The government is also looking beyond basic literacy as it works towards the 100 per cent target. Plans under ULLAS include greater emphasis on digital literacy, lifelong learning and vocational skills, allowing newly literate adults to develop abilities that can support their daily lives and employment prospects. Officials have indicated that sustaining literacy levels and ensuring continued learning will remain important even after the state reaches the 100 per cent mark.
With the literacy rate now at 99.55 per cent, Himachal Pradesh has only 0.45 percentage points left to close before reaching its stated target. The national recognition highlights the progress made through the combined efforts of learners, volunteers, teachers and government agencies. The state will now focus on reaching the remaining population while strengthening the educational and vocational opportunities available to those who have already benefited from the literacy drive.
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