Which state has the highest literacy rate in India?

Considering the significance of education as a key indicator of human development and socio-economic progress in India, particularly in light of various national literacy campaigns and disparities across states, which state currently boasts the highest literacy rate based on the most recent official census data or reliable surveys conducted by organizations like the National Statistical Office (NSO)? Additionally, how has this state’s literacy rate evolved over the past decade, and what notable initiatives—such as targeted education policies, female literacy programs, or digital learning infrastructure—might have contributed to its leading position compared to other states like Kerala and Tripura, which have historically performed well? Furthermore, when accounting for factors like urban-rural divides and gender equality in educational access, does this state maintain its top ranking consistently across all demographic segments, and how does its performance align with India’s national literacy rate target of 85% under the Education For All (Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan) framework?

The state with the highest literacy rate in India is Kerala. As per the 2011 Census and subsequent official reports, Kerala consistently maintains the top position. According to the National Statistical Office (NSO) and the Annual Status of Education Reports (ASER), Kerala’s literacy rate reached 96.2% by 2017-18. Key factors contributing to this include:

1. Historical Investment: Kerala has prioritized education since the 19th century, with early establishment of schools and colleges under princely states and British influence.
2. Social Reforms: Land reforms and social movements, such as the work of social reformers like Sree Narayana Guru, promoted equal access to education, especially for marginalized communities.
3. Public Infrastructure: The state boasts a dense network of public schools, with a student-teacher ratio of 15:1 (as of 2021), higher than the national average (23:1). Over 90% of schools have electricity, and 100% have access to drinking water.
4. Female Literacy: Kerala achieved near-total female literacy (91.98% in 2011), surpassing the male literacy rate (96.02%)—the only state where women outperform men in literacy. This is attributed to matrilineal traditions and focused gender-inclusive policies.
5. Adult Education Programs: Initiatives like "Kerala Literacy Mission" (1998) and "Saksharatha Mission" eliminated illiteracy among adults through volunteer-driven programs.
6. Digital Integration: The state integrates digital tools (e.g., "IT@School" project) in curriculum, bridging urban-rural divides.
7. Health-Education Nexus: High life expectancy (77.3 years) and low infant mortality (6 per 1,000 births) correlate with educational outcomes, supporting sustained learning.

Comparatively, other states like Lakshadweep (UT, 92.28%) and Mizoram (91.33%) rank lower. Kerala’s literacy is among the highest globally, surpassing countries like China (96.8%) and Russia (99.7%) in comparative indices. The government aims to achieve 100% literacy under "Kerala Vision 2030" through vocational training and lifelong learning centers.