On September 8, 2025, International Literacy Day, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that the state has achieved a remarkable 99.30% literacy rate, officially declaring it fully literate. The ceremony, called the “Fully Literate Himachal Ceremony and Utsav Mela-2025,” was held in Shimla and organized by the Directorate of School Education.
A Long Road from Just 7% Literacy
Sukhu reflected on the state’s journey from a literacy rate of just 7% at Independence to today’s 99.30%. He credited that success to consistent reforms and a focus on quality education, calling it an achievement made possible despite tough challenges.
Surpassing National Standards
Himachal’s literacy rate now surpasses the national average of 95%. The state also boasts the best student-teacher ratio in the country. Sukhu pointed to the examples of Kerala, Mizoram, and Chandigarh as benchmarks that helped shape Himachal’s approach to adult literacy and education reform.
A Milestone for the State
Education Minister Rohit Thakur described the development as “a golden chapter in the history of Himachal Pradesh.” He recalled how the state once ranked among the lowest in literacy. Through sustained investment in education, the dropout rate has now dropped to nearly zero.
The Club of Fully Literate States
Himachal Pradesh now joins an elite group of Indian states declared fully literate:
- Goa: Reached a 99.7% literacy rate and was declared 100% literate on May 31, 2025.
- Mizoram: Was the first state to be declared fully literate under the ULLAS programme, achieving about 98.2% literacy
Tripura: Achieved 95.6% adult literacy and was declared fully literate under ULLAS, becoming the third state to reach the milestone.
