India’s journey toward complete literacy continues, but the progress is uneven. The List of Indian States by Lowest Literacy Rate 2024 shows how certain regions are still struggling to keep pace with national averages. While India’s total literacy rate has climbed to 80.9%, several large and rural-dominated states remain below this mark. These states face challenges such as poverty, uneven access to schools, teacher shortages, and gender gaps. Let’s take a closer look at the bottom ten states and union territories with the lowest literacy rates, based on the 2023–24 survey by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
Quick Overview: Top 10 Indian States by Lowest Literacy Rate (2024)
| Rank | State / UT | Total Literacy Rate (2024) | Male Literacy (%) | Female Literacy (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andhra Pradesh | 72.6% | 78.4% | 66.5% |
| 2 | Bihar | 74.3% | 82.2% | 65.9% |
| 3 | Madhya Pradesh | 75.2% | 82.7% | 68.1% |
| 4 | Rajasthan | 75.8% | 85.0% | 66.1% |
| 5 | Jharkhand | 76.7% | 84.8% | 68.0% |
| 6 | Telangana | 76.9% | 83.5% | 70.4% |
| 7 | Uttar Pradesh | 78.2% | 85.4% | 70.5% |
| 8 | Chhattisgarh | 78.5% | 85.1% | 72.3% |
| 9 | Ladakh (UT) | 81.0% | 87.0% | 75.2% |
| 10 | Jammu & Kashmir (UT) | 82.0% | 88.2% | 76.3% |
1. Andhra Pradesh: Why the Lowest Literacy Rate in India Still Persists (72.6%)
Andhra Pradesh ranks at the bottom with a total literacy rate of 72.6%, the lowest in India for 2024. Despite strong urban centers like Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada, the state’s rural belt continues to struggle. The literacy gap between men and women remains wide at nearly 12%, one of the largest in India. Government efforts like the Mana Badi Nadu-Nedu program are improving infrastructure, but attendance and retention rates are still poor in interior districts. Economic pressure forces many children, especially girls, to drop out early.
Key Factors Affecting Andhra Pradesh’s Literacy Rate
- Low school attendance in rural and coastal districts
- High dropout rates among girls aged 10–16
- Shortage of trained teachers in government schools
- Digital divide in online learning adoption
- Economic dependence on child labor
2. Bihar: Literacy Growth with Persistent Challenges (74.3%)
Bihar’s literacy rate has climbed to 74.3%, showing a decade-long improvement of nearly 10% since 2011. However, the progress is uneven, with districts like Kishanganj and Araria still below the national average. Urban literacy in Bihar exceeds 82%, but rural literacy lags at 68%. Female literacy remains a major concern at 65.9%. Despite free education and scholarship schemes, poor infrastructure and teacher absenteeism continue to slow improvement.
Main Barriers in Bihar’s Educational Growth
- Inadequate school infrastructure in rural areas
- High pupil-teacher ratio, exceeding 40:1 in many districts
- Early marriage affecting girl education continuity
- Poor digital and vocational education access
- Migration disrupting children’s learning cycles
3. Madhya Pradesh: Bridging the Tribal Literacy Divide (75.2%)
Madhya Pradesh ranks third on the List of Indian States by Lowest Literacy Rate with 75.2% literacy. Tribal regions like Mandla, Dindori, and Alirajpur report significantly lower literacy levels compared to urban districts like Bhopal or Indore. The state’s gender gap is about 14.6%, with women’s literacy at 68.1%. The government’s CM Rise Schools and Adarsh Gram Shiksha Yojana have made progress, but long travel distances and seasonal migration still hinder attendance.
Key Literacy Issues in Madhya Pradesh
- Lack of mother-tongue-based instruction for tribal children
- High teacher vacancy in tribal zones
- Poor transport connectivity to schools
- Inadequate parental literacy support
- Need for better community-driven learning programs
4. Rajasthan: Social Barriers Limiting Educational Equality (75.8%)
Rajasthan’s literacy rate of 75.8% places it fourth from the bottom. While cities like Jaipur and Udaipur perform well, rural and desert districts such as Barmer and Jaisalmer remain below 70%. The biggest challenge lies in social norms; early marriage and gender bias still prevent many girls from completing secondary education. Female literacy here is 66.1%, a worrying gap from male literacy at 85%.
Major Reasons for Low Literacy in Rajasthan
- Cultural resistance to girls’ education
- Harsh climate and long travel distances to schools
- Lack of female teachers in remote areas
- Poor availability of secondary schools
- Low participation in adult education programs
5. Jharkhand: Tribal Terrain and Low Access to Education (76.7%)
Jharkhand’s literacy rate is 76.7%, improving steadily but still below the national average. Over 40% of the population lives in tribal regions, where schools are few and far apart. Many tribal children face language barriers and limited access to learning materials in their mother tongue. Government-run programs like School Chalo Abhiyan and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan are helping but need deeper community involvement.
Factors Influencing Literacy in Jharkhand
- High tribal population with linguistic diversity
- Poor road and internet connectivity
- Seasonal migration disrupting schooling
- Low digital literacy penetration
- Teacher shortage in rural blocks
6. Telangana: Urban Excellence, Rural Lag (76.9%)
Telangana records 76.9% literacy in 2024. Hyderabad, Warangal, and Rangareddy show excellent literacy performance, but rural districts like Mahabubnagar and Khammam lag behind. The urban-rural divide is about 11%, one of the highest among southern states. While digital initiatives are gaining momentum, rural access remains limited.
Reasons for Literacy Imbalance in Telangana
- Urban-rural education quality gap
- Migration of low-income families
- English-medium school affordability issues
- Teacher shortages in rural government schools
- Limited access to early childhood learning centers
7. Uttar Pradesh: Population Burden and Uneven Education (78.2%)
Uttar Pradesh, with a 78.2% literacy rate, ranks seventh on the List of Indian States by Lowest Literacy Rate. The state’s large population makes educational reform complex. Urban literacy stands above 86%, while rural areas are closer to 73%. The youth literacy rate (ages 15–24) has improved to 92%, showing hope for the next generation. However, high dropout rates after Class 8 remain a concern.
Core Challenges in Uttar Pradesh’s Education
- Overcrowded schools in high-density areas
- Poor teacher-to-student ratio in government schools
- Limited higher secondary schools in rural blocks
- Insufficient digital infrastructure
- Need for female literacy programs in backward districts
8. Chhattisgarh: Tribal Challenges in Educational Access (78.5%)
Chhattisgarh’s literacy rate is 78.5%, ranking eighth among low-performing states. Most tribal-dominated regions in Bastar and Dantewada continue to face educational access issues. The state government is promoting bilingual learning and solar-powered classrooms in remote areas. Yet, recurring teacher absenteeism and insurgency-affected zones hinder continuous learning.
Top Barriers to Literacy in Chhattisgarh
- Remote villages with poor connectivity
- Teacher absence in tribal schools
- Socioeconomic barriers in rural families
- Safety concerns in insurgency zones
- Shortage of female educators
9. Ladakh: Mountain Education at 81% Literacy
Ladakh’s literacy stands at 81%, with a male literacy rate of 87% and a female literacy rate of 75.2%. The high-altitude region faces challenges like harsh winters and short school sessions. Despite limited school months, the administration has introduced digital classrooms, solar-powered facilities, and mobile schools to sustain education during winter. The community’s emphasis on education is helping narrow gender gaps.
Key Educational Challenges in Ladakh
- Weather-dependent school schedules
- Remote, sparsely populated villages
- Teacher shortages during winter months
- Limited higher education facilities
- Internet connectivity issues
10. Jammu & Kashmir: Educational Recovery and Growth (82%)
Jammu & Kashmir rounds out the list with 82% literacy. After years of instability, steady progress is visible, especially in female literacy, which rose from 68% to 76.3% in the past decade. The government’s focus on digitization, free education schemes, and teacher training has brought more stability to the education sector. Youth enrollment in higher education is also increasing, showing positive momentum.
Key Focus Areas in Jammu & Kashmir
- Rehabilitation of conflict-affected schools
- Focus on girl education and safety
- Expansion of digital and vocational training
- Local teacher recruitment for rural schools
- Enhancement of higher education facilities
What Is the Future of Literacy in India After the list of States ?
India’s literacy rate stood at 80.9% in 2024, marking steady progress. But the real challenge lies ahead, bridging the gap between high-performing and low-performing states. To achieve 85% literacy by 2030, India needs to expand digital learning, improve teacher training, and enhance rural access to education.
Below are key focus areas and strategic actions shaping India’s literacy future:
| Focus Area | Key Strategy | Expected Impact by 2030 |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Learning Expansion | Promote e-learning, smart classrooms, and mobile literacy apps | Wider access in rural and remote areas |
| Teacher Skill Development | Regular training and certification for teachers | Better learning outcomes and retention |
| Rural Education Access | Build schools, improve infrastructure, provide transport | Reduce rural-urban literacy gap |
| Women’s Literacy Programs | Scholarships and safety measures for girls | Higher female literacy and empowerment |
| Adult & Lifelong Learning | Community education and night schools | Inclusion of older illiterate adults |
| Monitoring & Evaluation | Real-time district-level literacy tracking | Data-driven planning and accountability |
If states like Andhra Pradesh (72.6%), Bihar (74.3%), and Madhya Pradesh (75.2%) adopt these reforms, India can accelerate toward near-universal literacy. The future of literacy in India depends not just on policy, but on partnerships between communities, technology, and inclusive governance to ensure “Education for All” becomes a lived reality.
FAQs on List of Indian States by Lowest Literacy Rate
Which Indian state has the lowest literacy rate in 2024?
Andhra Pradesh ranks lowest in literacy at 72.6%, despite rapid urban growth.
What is India’s total literacy rate in 2024?
India’s literacy rate in 2024 is 80.9%, showing steady improvement.
Which Union Territory has the lowest literacy rate?
Ladakh has the lowest literacy among UTs with 81%.
Which state has shown the biggest literacy improvement?
Jammu & Kashmir saw the highest growth, improving by 13.3% since 2011.
Why is Bihar’s literacy rate still low?
Poor infrastructure, high dropout rates, and early marriages affect literacy growth.
What challenges affect tribal education in India?
Distance, language barriers, and lack of trained teachers reduce literacy among tribes.
How can rural literacy be improved in India?
By enhancing digital education, providing school transport, and improving teacher training.
When can India achieve 100% literacy?
If reforms sustain, India could achieve near-total literacy by 2035.