A state where almost every person can read and write is no longer just a dream. Himachal Pradesh has achieved a remarkable 99.55% literacy rate, taking another major step towards becoming completely literate. The achievement earned the state a national award on International Literacy Day in Delhi.

Education Minister Rohit Thakur received the honour on behalf of the state and expressed his gratitude to teachers, students, volunteers and government officials who contributed to the achievement. The state now ranks just behind Goa, which has a literacy rate of 99.7%.

ULLAS Makes a Difference

The achievement has been driven by the Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society (ULLAS) programme. Launched nationally in 2022, the initiative focuses on providing basic education and functional literacy to non-literate adults aged 15 years and above. In Himachal Pradesh, ULLAS was implemented during 2023-24 and has reached all 12 districts of the state.

The programme goes beyond teaching people to read and write. It aims to encourage lifelong learning and equip adults with skills that can help them participate more confidently in social and economic life.

Behind the impressive percentage are thousands of learners and volunteers. According to the state government, 94,930 learners have been identified and registered on the ULLAS portal. Supporting them is a dedicated network of 19,232 volunteer teachers, who have registered and undergone training to help learners acquire essential literacy skills.

Their collective effort has helped Himachal Pradesh improve from 99.3% literacy in September 2025, when the state was declared fully literate, to 99.55% now.

The Final One Percent

The state, however, is not stopping here. Himachal Pradesh has set an ambitious target of achieving 100% literacy during 2026-27. The next phase will focus on sustaining literacy while expanding opportunities for lifelong learning, digital literacy and vocational skills. The journey from 99.3% to 99.55% shows that even when a state reaches an impressive milestone, there is always another goal to pursue.

For Himachal Pradesh, the final step is now in sight—turning 99.55% into 100%.