Mizoram Declared Fully Literate State with 98.2% Literacy Rate

Mizoram is the first state in India to achieve full literacy

In a landmark achievement, Mizoram has been declared a fully literate state, becoming the first in India to attain this milestone. Chief Minister of Mizoram, Lalduhoma made the declaration at a celebration event held in Mizoram University Auditorium. Mizoram is the first state in India to achieve Full Literacy under the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Karyakram (NILP) initiative, after having achieved 98.2% literacy rate.

“It has been a long journey over the years and it was due to contributions made successfully by the successive governments and officials. I thank all of them who have contributed for this and I am proud of them,” CM Lalduhoma said and complimented Dr. Vanlalthlana, Mizoram’s Minister for School, Higher & Technical Education.

The occasion was graced by Jayant Chaudhary, Union Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Education, alongside Dr. Vanlalthlana, Mizoram’s Minister for School, Higher & Technical Education, Chief Secretary Khilli Ram Meena and other dignitaries and officials.

“It is a historic, joyous occasion for the government of Mizoram, academicians, educators, students and the young people of Mizoram. Mizoram has become the first state to be declared fully literate as per the standards and metrics laid down by Ministry of Education. 98.2% of the population of Mizoram is now considered literate which means they can read, write and comprehend academic concepts. It is a starting point. It signals the reform process that has taken place over the decades,” Minister Chaudhary said.

Complimenting Mizoram, Minister Chaudhary said, “The way Mizoram did it, particularly implementing ULLAS, the biggest challenge in implementing ULLAS is mobilising. And in state with tough topography, access in remote areas is very tough. You need people from the communities to register as trainers, as people who want to learn. Mizoram has adopted the technology and the Mizoram model can be worked with”.

Mizoram, which became the 23rd state of India in 1987, had recorded a literacy rate of 91.33% in the 2011 Census. To bridge the remaining gap, the ULLAS – Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society (Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram) was implemented, targeting the last segment of non-literate adults in the state.

Surveys conducted under the scheme from 2023 identified 3,026 non-literates, of whom 1,843 were willing to learn. A total of 292 volunteer teachers, comprising students, educators and community leaders, took up the challenge, embodying the Mizo spirit of Tlawmngaihna (selfless service).

Primers and educational materials in Mizo and English were developed by the State Centre for Literacy housed in SCERT Mizoram. Offline classes were conducted across the state in schools, community halls, and even homes where access was limited. Two rounds of assessments under the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT) were conducted in 2024 and 2025, certifying 425 new literates through NIOS.

The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Annual Report, July 2023 – June 2024 prepared by the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation was published on 23rd September, 2024. In the report, Mizoram is shown to have achieved 98.2% literacy rate (with 99.2% for males and 97% for females).

The success of this mission highlights the collective dedication of the Mizoram government, educators, volunteers, and the community in ensuring inclusive education and empowering every citizen through literacy.

Also Read: Mizoram Government to Tighten Rules for Drug De-Addiction Centres

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