Himachal Pradesh has attained a literacy rate of 99.55 per cent through the New India Literacy Programme (ULLAS) and has been awarded a national accolade for this achievement on International Literacy Day. The state’s Education Minister, Rohit Thakur, received this honour in Delhi on September 8, 2026, expressing gratitude to teachers, students, and government officials for their contributions in reaching this significant milestone.

Progress From Previous Literacy Rate

The state was pronounced fully literate on September 8, 2025, at which point its literacy rate was recorded at 99.3 per cent. The recent increase to 99.55 per cent now positions Himachal Pradesh as the second most literate state in India, following Goa, which boasts a literacy rate of 99.7 per cent, as stated by the state government. The effort reflects a collective commitment to enhancing education in the region.

ULLAS, launched on a national scale in 2022, concentrates on delivering basic education and functional literacy to adults aged 15 years and older who had previously not been literate. In Himachal Pradesh, the implementation of the programme began in the 2023–24 academic year and has successfully reached all 12 districts within the state.

The programme’s success is underpinned by a robust network of learners and volunteers. As noted by Minister Thakur, approximately 94,930 learners have been registered on the ULLAS portal throughout the state. Furthermore, around 19,232 volunteer teachers have also been trained to support the educational endeavours of the programme.

Future Aspirations Beyond Literacy

Despite reaching a literacy rate of 99.55 per cent, the state government does not view this achievement as the culmination of its efforts. Instead, it is focused on maintaining literacy levels. It plans to move forward while expanding opportunities for lifelong learning, digital literacy, and vocational skills, all under the ULLAS framework. The overarching ambition is to equip individuals with skills that are relevant in both everyday life and the workplace.

Himachal Pradesh has set an ambitious target to achieve 100 per cent literacy by the 2026-27 academic year. The state seeks to address the remaining gap of 0.45 percentage points. This final challenge is viewed as crucial for solidifying the substantial progress made thus far in education.

The combined efforts of government bodies, educators, and community volunteers underscore the significance of this literacy initiative. Recognition at the national level serves as an affirmation of the collaborative approach that has been pivotal in the state’s educational developments. By focusing on sustainable literacy and skill acquisition, Himachal Pradesh aims not only to reach its target but to enrich the lives of its citizens more broadly.

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