Tripura has officially recorded a 95.6% literacy rate, positioning it as the third most literate state in India after Mizoram and Goa. The announcement was made by Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha during an event at Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhawan in Agartala, citing recent data from the ULLAS–Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram initiative. Officials from both the state and central education departments, including representatives from SCERT and NCERT, were present at the occasion.
Literacy Now Includes Foundational and Life Skills
Chief Minister Saha highlighted the shift in the literacy program’s focus. What once aimed only at enabling people to sign their names has now broadened to include reading, writing, numeracy, life skills, vocational training, and continuous learning. The upgraded program is aligned with national goals of holistic skill development and lifelong education.
Literacy Growth Over the Decades
Tripura’s journey toward high literacy has seen consistent progress. From a literacy rate of 20.24% in 1961, the state reached 60.44% by 1991, 73.19% in 2001, and 87.22% in 2011. According to the Labour Force Survey, the rate rose to 93.7% in 2023–2024 and reached 95.6% in the 2024–2025 period, reflecting sustained efforts through both government policy and grassroots participation.
Strong Literacy Drive and Volunteer Support
Tripura’s success in literacy has been backed by strong community involvement. The state operates 943 Samajik Chetana Kendras (social awareness centres) that support literacy education across districts. These centres are run by 2,228 volunteers who are instrumental in identifying and educating individuals yet to achieve basic literacy.
Encouraging Test Results
Results from foundational literacy and numeracy assessment tests have shown impressive outcomes. On March 17 last year, 3,581 out of 4,597 participants passed. Later, on December 29, 13,909 out of 14,179 examinees cleared the test. Most recently, on March 23 this year, 5,819 of 5,896 candidates succeeded, indicating a strong level of public engagement and learning outcomes.
Literacy Linked to National Development Goals
Dr. Saha stressed that addressing illiteracy is key to fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India (Viksit Bharat) by 2047. He emphasized the importance of ensuring literacy in every household and committed to reaching the remaining population who have yet to become literate.
Growth Beyond Literacy
Beyond educational achievements, Tripura is also progressing in economic indicators. The state ranks second in the Northeast in both Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) and per capita income—just after Assam and Sikkim respectively. The Chief Minister noted that educational advancement is going hand-in-hand with overall state development.
Tripura’s literacy success is a major milestone in India’s broader educational landscape, proving that with consistent efforts and inclusive programs, states beyond Kerala can also achieve near-total literacy.
