Second in literacy, Himachal still faces major education challenges

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99.55 pc Himachalis now literate, state ranks second in India

Shimla, September 10

Himachal Pradesh has every reason to take pride in its progress in education. Becoming the country’s second most literate state after Goa is significant achievement, while the government’s target of achieving 100 per cent literacy during 2026–27 is both ambitious and welcome. But this achievement should also prompt a larger question, can the state turn its literacy gains into better quality education? Education Minister Rohit Thakur has reiterated the government’s commitment to reaching the goal.

The real challenge for the government now is to ensure that children are not merely able to read and write.  But they are equipped with the knowledge, skills and opportunities needed to compete in a rapidly changing world. A high literacy rate means little if students continue to study in schools lacking basic infrastructure, modern technology, laboratories, libraries and adequate teaching resources.

The government has already  upgraded 150 schools to CBSE standards with more schools expected to follow.  This is a welcome move but changing the curriculum and securing new affiliation alone will not transform the quality of education. The  modern school needs more than a modern syllabus and classrooms, laboratories, teachers, digital facilities and the overall learning environment must improve alongside it. Accessibility is another challenge that cannot be overlooked.

Himachal Pradesh has recorded a literacy rate of 99.55 per cent, the second-highest among states in the country, placing it just behind Goa, which has a literacy rate of 99.7 per cent. The latest figure was highlighted as the state received national recognition for achieving full literacy under the New India Literacy Programme (ULLAS). Education Minister Rohit Thakur received the honour at a national ceremony in New Delhi on September 8, observed as International Literacy Day.

Himachal Pradesh had been declared a fully literate state on September 8, 2025, when its literacy rate stood at 99.3 per cent. The latest figure represents a further improvement of 0.25 percentage points and puts the state 0.45 percentage points short of the 100 per cent mark.

The ULLAS programme, launched nationally in 2022, was implemented in Himachal Pradesh from 2023-24 and has covered all 12 districts. The programme focuses on providing basic and functional literacy to non-literate adults aged 15 years and above.

According to the Education Department, 94,930 learners have been identified and registered on the ULLAS portal, while 19,232 volunteer teachers have registered and undergone training to support the initiative.

The state also conducted three Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Tests (FLNATs). A total of 61,542 learners were assessed, of whom 59,896 passed, giving an overall success rate of 97.3 per cent.

Thakur attributed the achievement to the sustained efforts of the state government, Education Department, teachers, volunteers, learners and the public. He said the focus would now shift from achieving literacy to sustaining it and promoting lifelong learning, digital literacy and vocational skills.

The state government has set a target of achieving 100 per cent literacy during 2026-27, with the remaining gap now standing at 0.45 percentage points.

The latest achievement also comes against the backdrop of Himachal’s longer educational journey. The state’s literacy rate was around five per cent at Independence, according to the Education Minister, before rising steadily over the decades through sustained investment in education.

With Goa currently ahead at 99.7 per cent, Himachal Pradesh now occupies the second position nationally in literacy, while its next challenge is to close the final gap and reach the 100 per cent target.