Uttarakhand has achieved a significant milestone in education by becoming India’s sixth fully literate state under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the Union Government’s ULLAS (Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society) programme. The achievement follows a remarkable rise in the state’s literacy rate to 98.7%, surpassing the 95% benchmark required to be recognised as a fully literate state.
The announcement marks a major success for the state’s efforts to improve adult literacy through community participation, volunteer-driven learning initiatives, and targeted educational campaigns. With this accomplishment, Uttarakhand joins Mizoram, Goa, Tripura, Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim in the list of fully literate states in the country.
The ULLAS programme, launched under NEP 2020, focuses on providing basic literacy and numeracy skills to adults aged 15 years and above who missed formal education. Besides reading and writing, the programme also promotes financial literacy, digital literacy, legal awareness, health education and vocational skills, helping learners become more active participants in society.
Officials said Uttarakhand’s literacy rate witnessed one of the fastest improvements in recent years, climbing from 83.8% in 2023-24 to 98.7% in 2025. The achievement has been credited to coordinated efforts by the state government, teachers, volunteers, local communities and educational institutions that worked together to identify and educate non-literate adults across urban and rural areas.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami described the milestone as a proud moment for the state and said it reflects Uttarakhand’s commitment to inclusive education and lifelong learning. He noted that literacy is essential for social development, employment opportunities and citizen empowerment, adding that the government would continue strengthening educational initiatives across the state.
Education experts believe the recognition will encourage other states to intensify adult literacy programmes and move closer to achieving the goals outlined in NEP 2020. Improved literacy is expected to contribute to better employment prospects, greater digital inclusion and enhanced social awareness, particularly among disadvantaged communities.
With this achievement, Uttarakhand has set a new benchmark in adult education, reinforcing the importance of sustained government initiatives and community participation in ensuring that every citizen has access to the basic skills needed for personal and national development.
