International Literacy Day 2025, Theme, Country, State-Wise, Highest, Lowest Literacy Rates in India and World

International Literacy Day 2025 is on 8th September, led by UNESCO to promote education and reduce global illiteracy. India shows progress with Mizoram topping literacy rates at 98%, while Bihar ranks lowest. On International Literacy Day 2025, campaigns and awareness drives are planned worldwide.

International Literacy Day 2025, Theme, Country, State-Wise, Highest, Lowest Literacy Rates in India and World

International Literacy Day 2025 is celebrated on 8th September. It is a global initiative led by UNESCO to raise awareness about literacy challenges worldwide. Since its beginning in 1966, the day has highlighted literacy as a fundamental human right. In 2025, governments, schools, and organizations are expected to organize several activities. 

All these are going to be targeted to improve literacy rates, especially in rural areas, and reduce the gender gap in education. Thereby ensuring equal learning opportunities are provided to all. International Literacy Day 2025 reinforces the importance of education in creating informed, skilled, and empowered communities globally.

International Literacy Day 2025

International Literacy Day 2025, observed on 8th September, promotes literacy worldwide. Established by UNESCO in 1966, it focuses on reducing illiteracy, bridging gender gaps, and encouraging lifelong learning.

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International Literacy Day 2025
Aspect Details
Date 8th September 2025
Observed by UNESCO, Governments, NGOs, Communities
Established 1966
Purpose Promote literacy as a human right
Focus Areas Reducing illiteracy, Gender equality, Lifelong learning
Activities Campaigns, Workshops, Awareness programs

International Literacy Day 2025 Theme

The theme for International Literacy Day 2025 is yet to be announced by UNESCO. Each year, the theme focuses on current literacy challenges worldwide. For reference, the theme for 2024 was “Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace”, emphasizing the importance of multilingual learning in fostering social cohesion and understanding across diverse communities. In 2025, countries will continue to align awareness programs and campaigns with the announced theme to address literacy gaps, gender disparities, and inclusive education.

Top 10 Literate Countries in The World 

This section lists countries with the highest literacy rates. It shows nations achieving nearly 100% literacy. Reflecting successful education policies and gender-balanced learning opportunities. Check the table below for information based on countries:

Top 10 Literate Countries in The World (Highest Rate)
Country Total Population Literacy Rate Literacy Rate – Male Literacy Rate – Female Data Year
Ukraine 100% 100% 100% 2021
Uzbekistan 100% 100% 100% 2022
North Korea 100% 100% 100% 2015
Kazakhstan 100% 99.8% 99.7% 2020
Azerbaijan 100% 99.9% 99.7% 2023
Finland 100% 100% 100%
Norway 100% 100% 100%
Georgia 100% 99.6% 99.7% 2022
Luxembourg 100% 100% 100%
Guam 100% 99.8% 99.7% 2000

Top 10 Countries with Lowest Literacy Rate

This part presents countries with the lowest literacy rates. It emphasizes regions needing urgent attention to improve access to education and reduce learning disparities. Here is the table carrying the Top 10 Literate Countries in The World with the lowest rate: 

Top 10 Literate Countries in The World (Lowest Rate)
Country Total Population Literacy Rate
Chad 27%
Mali 31%
South Sudan 34.5%
Afghanistan 37.3%
Central African Republic 37.5%
Niger 38%
Somalia 41%
Guinea 45.3%
Burkina Faso 46%
Benin 47%

Literacy Rate Of India 2011

The literacy rate of India in 2011 highlights progress in reading and writing skills. It reflects differences between rural and urban areas, and between male and female populations. Check the table below to know about the literacy rate of India 2011:

Literacy Rate Of India 2011
Year (1) Rural Urban
Male (2) Female (3) Persons (4) Male (5) Female (6) Persons (7)
2003 71 48 60 88 74 81
2004 72 50 61 88 75 82
2006 75 52 64 89 77 83
2007 76 54 65 89 77 84
2011 79 59 69 90 80 85

Literacy Rate Of India State-wise 2025

This section outlines estimated literacy rates in Indian states for 2025. It shows regional progress, identifying states with the highest and lowest literacy achievements. 

Literacy Rate Of India State-wise 2025
1991 2001 2011
State/Union Rural Urban
Territory Person Male Female Person Male Female Male Female Person Male Female Persons
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
All India 52 64 39 65 75 54 77 58 68 89 79 84
Andhra Pradesh 44 55 33 61 70 50 69 52 60 86 74 80
Arunachal Pradesh 42 52 30 54 64 44 67 52 60 88 77 83
Assam 53 62 43 63 71 55 75 63 69 92 85 89
Bihar 38 51 22 47 60 33 70 49 60 83 71 77
Chhatisgarh 43 58 28 65 77 52 77 55 66 91 77 84
Goa 76 84 67 82 88 75 92 82 87 93 87 90
Gujarat 61 73 49 69 80 58 82 61 72 91 81 86
Haryana 56 69 41 68 79 56 82 60 71 89 77 83
Himachal Pradesh 64 75 52 77 85 67 89 75 82 93 88 91
Jammu & Kashmir 0 0 0 56 67 43 74 52 63 84 69 77
Jharkhand 41 56 26 54 67 39 73 49 61 88 76 82
Karnataka 56 67 44 67 76 57 78 60 69 90 81 86
Kerala 90 94 86 91 94 88 95 91 93 97 93 95
Madhya Pradesh 45 59 29 64 76 50 75 52 64 89 77 83
Maharashtra 65 77 52 77 86 67 85 69 77 92 85 89
Manipur 60 72 48 71 80 61 83 69 76 92 79 85
Meghalaya 49 53 45 63 65 60 72 68 70 93 89 91
Mizoram 82 86 79 89 91 87 88 80 84 98 97 98
Nagaland 62 68 55 67 71 62 79 72 75 92 87 90
Odisha 49 63 35 63 75 51 80 61 70 91 80 86
Punjab 59 66 50 70 75 63 77 66 71 87 79 83
Rajasthan 39 55 20 60 76 44 76 46 61 88 71 80
Sikkim 57 66 47 69 76 60 85 72 79 92 85 89
Tamil Nadu 63 74 51 74 82 64 82 65 74 92 82 87
Tripura 60 71 50 73 81 65 90 80 85 96 91 94
Uttar Pradesh 41 55 24 56 69 42 76 54 66 80 69 75
Uttaranchal 58 73 42 72 83 60 87 66 76 89 79 85
West Bengal 58 68 47 69 77 60 79 66 72 88 81 85

Union Territory:

A. & N. Islands 73 79 66 81 86 75 89 80 85 93 87 90
Chandigarh 78 82 72 82 86 77 86 73 81 90 81 86
D. & N. Haveli 41 54 27 58 71 40 76 50 64 94 83 90
Daman and Diu 71 83 59 78 87 66 89 72 82 92 83 89
Delhi 75 82 67 82 87 75 89 73 82 91 81 86
Lakshadweep 82 90 73 87 93 81 95 89 92 96 88 92
Puducherry 75 84 66 81 89 74 87 73 80 93 84 89

Notes: 

  • Literacy rate is defined as the population of literates in the population aged 7 year and above.
  • The 1991 data ( Excluding Jammu & Kashmir)and 2001data(Excludes figures of Paomata, Mao Maran, and Pura sub-divisions of Senapati district of Manipur for 2001) refer to Census of India. 

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Top 10 Literate States in India 2025 

Here we list the ten Indian states with the highest literacy rates. The table shows success stories of education policies and effective implementation across regions.

Top 10 Literate States in India 2025 
Rank State/UT Literacy Rate (%)
1 Mizoram 98
2 Kerala 97
3 Lakshadweep 92
4 Tripura 94
5 Goa 90
6 Delhi 91
7 Himachal Pradesh 91
8 Maharashtra 89
9 Tamil Nadu 87
10 Nagaland 90

Top 10 Indian States with Lowest Literacy Rate

This section lists the ten states with the lowest literacy rates in India. It highlights areas requiring focused literacy programs to bridge gaps and improve education outcomes.

Top 10 Literate States in India 2025 (Lowest Rate)
Rank State/UT Literacy Rate (%)
1 Bihar 77
2 Rajasthan 80
3 Jharkhand 82
4 Uttar Pradesh 75
5 Chhattisgarh 84
6 Madhya Pradesh 83
7 Arunachal Pradesh 83
8 Jammu & Kashmir 77
9 Odisha 86
10 Uttaranchal 85

Literacy Rate Of India State-wise 2025 Gender Gap Rate

This part highlights the literacy gender gap in Indian states. It shows differences between male and female literacy and identifies states working to reduce this gap.

Literacy Rate Of India State-wise 2025 (Gender Gap Rate)
State Male Literacy Female Literacy Gender Gap
Mizoram 99.2% 97% 2.2
Kerala 96.7% 94% 2.7
Rajasthan 85.90% 65.80% 20.1
Bihar 82.30% 66.10% 16.2
Madhya Pradesh 83.10% 67.00% 16.1
India (Overall) 12.6

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is International Literacy Day 2025?

It is observed on 8th September 2025 to raise global awareness about literacy as a fundamental human right.

Who established International Literacy Day?

UNESCO established International Literacy Day in 1966 to promote education worldwide.

What is the theme for 2025?

The theme for 2025 is yet to be announced by UNESCO.

Why is International Literacy Day important?

It highlights the need to reduce illiteracy, promote education equality, and encourage lifelong learning globally.

How is International Literacy Day celebrated?

Governments, schools, and organizations conduct campaigns, workshops, and awareness programs to improve literacy and bridge gender gaps.

International Literacy Day 2025, Theme, Country, State-Wise, Highest, Lowest Literacy Rates in India and World

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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
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Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
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