Did you know that by 2030, the market for skills and education would grow to $313 billion? Have you ever wondered which states in India are leading the charge in education? Education unlocks opportunity, empowers individuals, and fuels progress for a brighter future. In this blog, we’ll delve into the world of educated states in India.
Having said that, we’ll provide you with diverse educational views and the unique educational approaches used across the country. Beyond that, you’ll see how states are prioritizing education for all. With a spotlight on girls’ education and making education accessible through budget allocations and scholarships.
In this blog, we’ll explore the top educated states in India and Union territories. So, let’s begin!
1. Kerala
- Literacy rate: 97.25
- Male: 97.1
- Female: 97.4
Kerala, among the top educated states in India, has a rich history of prioritizing education since the 19th century. The state’s rulers recognized the importance of education for the state and the country’s progress. Moreover, the queen of Travancore advocated for free education for all in 1817.
Beyond that, the Kerala school like Madhava of Sangamagrama made significant contributions between the 14th and 16th centuries. Kerala consequently invests almost 75% in the next five years of its budget in education, which helps a strong network of schools.
Importantly, NEP aims for a Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) of 50% by 2035. This could benefit Kerala by expanding access to higher education opportunities. Moreover, the State Literacy Mission Authority also played an important role in boosting literacy rates by promoting lifelong learning.
2. Lakshadweep
- Literacy rate: 96.7
- Male: 98.6
- Female: 95.2
Lakshadweep stands out as the most literate Union Territory in India. Amini Island was the first government school established in 1904. Previously, children attended religious madrasas in the mornings. These early government schools offered basic subjects like arithmetic and local languages (Malayalam and Kannada) in the afternoons.
Since then, Lakshadweep has witnessed significant growth in its education system. As of the 2022-2023 academic year, there were 51 schools in Lakshadweep with 1,021 instructors and around 8,200 students, according to the UT education department.
Moreover, government initiatives and community support have led to a high literacy rate. Lakshadweep schools will implement the CBSE English curriculum for all schools from the academic year 2024-2025, replacing the previous curriculum.
3. Mizoram
- Literacy rate: 95.5
- Male: 97.0
- Female: 94.0
Mizoram’s literacy rate has increased significantly during the past few years. Compared to other states, Mizoram’s formal education system began much later, however, they’ve shown tremendous progress. In 1901, the literacy rate was a mere 0.9%, and by 2011, it had jumped to 91.33%.
Moreover, the budget for 2024-2025 includes Rs 13 crore set out expressly for programs promoting girls’ education. This suggests that gender parity in education is a priority. There are around 2,000 schools in the state- approximately 100 students in every school. Every village has a committee that works on village education.
Importantly, the Mizo community has played a crucial role in setting up schools, and colleges with their resources to prioritize education. Besides that, the government has also made significant contributions to stand out among the leading educated states in India.
4. Goa
- Literacy rate: 93.25
- Male: 94.3
- Female: 92.2
When Goa was ruled by the Portuguese until 1961, they prioritized education and built colleges and schools. Fortunately, the state government focused on education, increasing access to schools, and improving infrastructure after liberation.
Furthermore, the state is multilingual with the official language as Konkani, and Marathi, Hindi, English, and Portuguese are also spoken. Schools in Goa integrate these languages into their curriculum to some extent, which can be a unique aspect compared to other states with a more singular language focus.
Beyond that, a growing number of Goan schools incorporate environmental education into their curricula. Consequently, as one of the educated states in India, the state embraces the abundant biodiversity and emphasis on ecotourism.
5. Puducherry
- Literacy rate: 91.75
- Male: 93.8
- Female: 89.7
Puducherry, among the leading educated States in India, has a lengthy past of education, even during French colonial rule (1674-1954). The French established schools and colleges, which influenced the education system even after India gained independence.
Moreover, the Union Territory’s budget should be increased to Rs 13,500 crore, as per Ramadass’s request to the AINRC-BJP government. Furthermore, Puducherry’s unique blend of languages, cultural influences, and educational practices contributes to its distinctiveness.
Above all, the Union has Pondicherry University, a well-regarded central university established in 1985. There are also other institutions offering higher education opportunities. Moreover, schools offer the Tamil language alongside other languages like English and French.
6. Delhi
- Literacy rate: 86.96
- Male: 90.2
- Female: 83.7
With the founding of universities like Delhi University in the early 20th century, the capital city has a long history of education. Between 1991 and 2011, its literacy rate increased from 65.34% to 86.21%. Positive results were also influenced by investments in the development of infrastructure, such as improved school buildings and facilities.
Besides that, programs like free textbooks and scholarships also bridge the gap and increase access to education for children from economically disadvantaged families. Also, a budget of Rs. 16,396 crores has been allocated for the education sector for the year 2024-2025. There are 5691 recognized institutions in Delhi, serving over 44.76 lakh students.
Additionally, DEM, which emphasizes enhancing learning outcomes, student engagement, and overall school development, is another element contributing to its expansion. The Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan program is also a major factor in the rise in school enrollment rates.
7. Chandigarh
- Literacy rate: 84.45
- Male: 90.2
- Female: 78.7
Chandigarh has a well-developed education system with a good network of government, private, and centrally-run schools. They ensure accessibility to education for a large part of the population. As a result, this fosters a lively intellectual atmosphere and marks one of the most educated states in India.
In the interim budget for 2024–25, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman provided a Rs. 6,513 crore grant for Chandigarh. Consequently, it revived the energy and education sectors. There are 111 government schools, 84 private schools, and 7 Central Govt in Chandigarh.
Interestingly, the state follows a 5+3+3+4 Pedagogical Structure. This changes the schooling system to a 5-year foundational stage (including preschool), followed by 3 years of middle school, 3 years of high school, and a flexible 4-year undergraduate program. Moreover, the curriculum focuses on strengthening foundational skills in reading, writing, and mathematics in the early years.
8. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Literacy rate: 84.35
- Male: 88.2
- Female: 80.5
Andaman and Nicobar Islands, similar to Daman and Diu, is a Union territory and doesn’t have an independent education department. In 1947, after the country gained independence the Indian government concentrated on building schools to increase the indigenous population’s access.
As such, the Union education has a complex history. However, education falls under the purview of the Directorate of Education, which is part of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration. Currently, the state has 396 schools spread across 36 islands.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands have also adopted NEP 2020, focusing on improved learning outcomes, vocational training integration, and technology in education. Moreover, factors contributing to among the educated states in India include government initiatives and community efforts.
9. Daman and Diu
- Literacy rate: 84.05
- Male: 92.5
- Female: 75.6
Daman and Diu, previously under Portuguese rule, had some focus on education before independence. Following independence in 1961, the Indian government gave education a high priority, which raised the number of schools and literacy rate.
Additionally, in the Union Budget 2023–2024, Daman & Diu allocated Rs. 132.09 crores for various kinds of education-related initiatives. They also guarantee quality instruction and accessibility for all students, irrespective of their background or skill level.
Above all, state programs like adult literacy initiatives, free and compulsory education, and a focus on girls’ education have made a huge impact. In Daman and Diu, the literacy rate was 78.18% in 2001. Whereas in 2011, it had increased to 87.10% as one of the educated states in India.
10. Tripura
- Literacy rate: 80.95
- Male: 83.6
- Female: 78.3
In pre-independence, Tripura had a limited education system, with schools primarily catering to the royal family and elite. After independence in 1947, the focus shifted towards establishing a more inclusive education system.
Recently, the Tripura government prioritized education, skill development, and infrastructure. It is to develop a tax-free budget of Rs. 27,804.67 crores for the academic year 2024-25. Notably, the state has lower living costs compared to more urbanized states. This can be beneficial for students on a budget.
Thus, now the Tripura government prioritized education, allocating significant resources to improve infrastructure and facilities in schools. Moreover, the state’s adult literacy programs further contributed to the state’s high literacy rate among the educated states in India.
Final Thoughts
We explored the top educated states in India and learned that the path to educational success is created with government & community support, and innovative approaches. Furthermore, we discovered Kerala’s dedication to lifelong learning and Mizoram’s rise in literacy rates, each state offers an inspiring story.
Above all, what will the future hold for education in India? How will these educated states continue to innovate and inspire others? Stay curious, keep learning, and one day, your state might be featured on this list of educational leaders. Thanks for reading!
