Literacy Rate: India
India's literacy rate is currently 78.2% as of 2024. # India Literacy Rate India's literacy rate reached 78.
Current (2024)
78.2%
-4.3% y/y
Peak (2023)
81.7%
Low (1981)
40.8%
Source
World Bank World Development Indicators
1981–2024 · 14 pts
Literacy Rate — India
1981 — 2024
Literacy Rate — India
Analysis# India Literacy Rate
India's literacy rate reached 78.163% in 2024, representing substantial progress from the 40.76% recorded in 1981—a 91.8% total increase over four decades. The nation peaked at 81.7% in 2023, indicating a slight recent decline of 3.5 percentage points. Despite this dip, the current figure demonstrates India's sustained advancement in educational attainment and skill acquisition across its population.
The most dramatic acceleration occurred between 2022 and 2023, when the rate jumped 5.38 percentage points to reach the all-time peak. The 2024 decline suggests a potential correction rather than a reversal of the long-term upward trend. Consistent year-over-year growth from 2010 (68.326%) through 2023 reflects deepening educational infrastructure and enrollment initiatives, though the recent data warrants monitoring to determine whether 2024 signals a temporary fluctuation or a new directional shift.
Historical Data
14 Rows| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 78.2% | -4.33% |
| 2023 | 81.7% | +7.05% |
| 2022 | 76.3% | +0.34% |
| 2021 | 76.1% | +0.71% |
| 2020 | 75.5% | +0.85% |
| 2019 | 74.9% | +1.64% |
| 2018 | 73.7% | +5.53% |
| 2012 | 69.8% | +0.76% |
| 2011 | 69.3% | +1.43% |
| 2010 | 68.3% | +8.89% |
| 2006 | 62.8% | +2.85% |
| 2001 | 61.0% | +26.52% |
| 1991 | 48.2% | +18.30% |
| 1981 | 40.8% | — |
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