Mizoram Achieves Full Functional Literacy

On 20th May 2025, Chief Minister Shri Lalduhoma officially declared Mizoram a fully literate state, marking a landmark achievement in India’s educational landscape. This historic milestone makes Mizoram the first state in India to attain full literacy.

Mizoram, which gained statehood on 20th February 1987, covers a geographical area of 21,081 km² (8,139 sq mi). As per the 2011 Census, Mizoram had a literacy rate of 91.33%, ranking third among Indian states. Building on this strong foundation, the state implemented the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram (New India Literacy Programme) to reach the remaining non-literate population.

The ULLAS Scheme, a centrally sponsored initiative launched in 2022 and running through 2027, aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. It aims to educate adults aged 15 years and above who missed formal schooling. The scheme encompasses five components:

1. Foundational Literacy and Numeracy
2. Critical Life Skills
3. Basic Education
4. Vocational Skills
5. Continuing Education

Rooted in the ethos of “Kartavya Bodh” (sense of duty) and driven by volunteerism, ULLAS strives to make Bharat – Jan Jan Saakshar (Every Citizen Literate).

Nationwide, over 1.77 crore neo-literates have appeared in the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT), while 2.37 crore learners and 40.84 lakh volunteer teachers have registered on the ULLAS mobile app.

Earlier, on 24th June 2024, Ladakh became the first administrative unit (Union Territory) to declare full literacy. However, Mizoram now leads as the first full-fledged state in the country to achieve this remarkable status.