Five of India’s ten most literate states are in the northeast

According to the government’s most recent Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for 2023–2024, five northeastern states are currently in the top 10 most literate regions in India, with Mizoram leading the pack at 98.2%. A notable change in the nation’s educational environment is highlighted by the Northeast’s domination in the rankings. Third position goes to Nagaland (95.7%), followed by Meghalaya (94.2%) in fifth place, Tripura (93.7%) tied with Chandigarh for sixth place, and Manipur (92%), which completes the top 10 in tenth place.

As part of the ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) project, Mizoram, which has continuously scored highly on education indicators, was formally proclaimed India’s first entirely literate state on May 20. Following the state’s successful drive to enroll and teach over 1,600 adult learners through volunteer-led programs, Chief Minister Lalduhoma made the news at Mizoram University.

Large disparities still exist throughout India in spite of these advancements. There are still states with even lower literacy rates, like Andhra Pradesh (72.6%), Bihar (74.3%), and Madhya Pradesh (75.2%).