Did Mizoram Just Beat Kerala to Become India’s First Fully Literate State?

For decades, Kerala proudly held India’s “most literate state” crown. But in a stunning shift, Mizoram has now claimed the title of India’s first “fully literate state” under the Government’s ULLAS (Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram) program, achieving a remarkable 98.2% literacy rate.

How did this happen? Mizoram’s success stems from grassroots efforts:
Flexible Learning: Volunteers conducted Saturday classes and home-based lessons for working adults.
Beyond Basics: The program taught not just reading/writing, but also digital skills, financial literacy, and math.

NEP 2020 Alignment: ULLAS directly implements the National Education Policy’s goal of 100% literacy by focusing on citizens aged 15+.
But is Mizoram truly first? Kerala hit “total literacy” in 1991 under older norms (90% literacy in ages 15-35).

Recent surveys tell a new story:
Periodic Labour Force Survey (2023-24): Mizoram – 98.2%, Kerala – 95.3%.
Government Definition: States hitting 95% literacy are now deemed “fully literate.”
Key takeaways for exam aspirants:
ULLAS targets 5 crore non-literate Indians by 2027.
“Literacy” now includes critical life skills (digital/financial), not just textbooks.
The scheme runs on volunteerism (“Kartavya Bodh”) – a model for community development.

Why This Matters for SSC, PSC, NID, NIFT, FDDI & Other Exams:
Current Affairs Goldmine: Literacy schemes (ULLAS, NLM) are hot topics for Prelims and Mains (GS-II: Government Policies).
Policy Analysis: Understand how NEP 2020 drives initiatives like ULLAS – crucial for essay/descriptive papers.
Data Interpretation: Survey comparisons (Census vs. PLFS) test analytical skills in competitive exams.
Social Sector Focus: Education/literacy aligns with UPSC, PSC, and SSC syllabus sections on inclusive growth.
Design Exams Context: NID/NIFT often include socio-economic trends in GD/PI rounds – literacy debates are fair game!


Sample Questions & Answers:
Q1: Which state was recently declared India’s “first fully literate state” under ULLAS?
A: Mizoram (with 98.2% literacy).
Q2: What does ULLAS stand for, and what is its primary goal?
A: ULLAS (Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram) aims to make 5 crore Indians aged 15+ functionally literate by 2027, focusing on foundational skills and life competencies.
Q3: How does the National Education Policy 2020 relate to ULLAS?
A: ULLAS implements NEP 2020’s mandate to achieve 100% literacy through adult education and life-skills training.
Q4: What distinguishes “literacy” under ULLAS from traditional definitions?
A: Beyond reading/writing, ULLAS includes digital/financial literacy and critical life skills.
Q5: Why did Mizoram’s claim surpass Kerala’s historic literacy achievement?
A: While Kerala hit 90% literacy in 1991 (under older norms), Mizoram achieved 98.2% under the current definition requiring 95% literacy for “fully literate” status.