Sikkim Becomes Fully Literate State with 99.82% Literacy Rate

In a landmark achievement for India’s education journey, Sikkim has officially been declared a fully literate state under the Centre’s ULLAS initiative, recording a remarkable literacy rate of 99.82%. The historic announcement was made by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang during the 7th convocation ceremony of Sikkim University in Gangtok, in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu.The achievement places Sikkim among an elite group of states that have crossed the literacy benchmark set under the Union Government’s “Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society” (ULLAS) programme. With this recognition, Sikkim becomes the fifth fully literate state in India and the third in Northeast India after Mizoram and Tripura.Calling it a “historic milestone,” Chief Minister Tamang said the accomplishment reflects the state’s unwavering commitment to education and inclusive growth.President Murmu Congratulates SikkimPresident Droupadi Murmu congratulated the people of Sikkim for the extraordinary feat, describing it as a powerful step towards social empowerment and inclusive development. The recognition carries national significance because it highlights how education can transform communities and improve quality of life. Under the Ministry of Education’s framework, a state is considered “fully literate” when the literacy rate among individuals aged 15 years and above exceeds 95%.How the ULLAS Initiative Changed LivesThe literacy success story was made possible through the ULLAS or Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram initiative launched under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The programme focuses on foundational literacy, vocational learning, critical life skills, financial literacy, and continuing education for adults. Rather than limiting education to classrooms, ULLAS aims to create lifelong learners equipped for modern society.As part of the campaign, authorities surveyed 15,361 non-literate adults across the state. Out of them, 14,447 individuals successfully earned official literacy certificates through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS).Northeast India Leads the WaySikkim’s accomplishment also shines a spotlight on Northeast India’s growing educational progress. The region has increasingly emerged as a strong performer in literacy, community education, and social development initiatives.As of May 2026, five Indian states have been officially recognised as fully literate under the ULLAS framework. Goa leads with 100% functional literacy, followed by Himachal Pradesh at 99.3%, Sikkim at 99.82%, Mizoram at 98.2%, and Tripura at 95.6%.More Than Numbers, A Story of EmpowermentSikkim’s literacy milestone is about much more than statistics. It represents empowerment, opportunity, and social transformation.From remote villages to urban centres, the campaign has helped people gain confidence, access information, improve financial awareness, and participate more actively in society. In many ways, the achievement reflects the true spirit of the National Education Policy 2020, education for all, at every stage of life.As India continues its push toward inclusive development, Sikkim’s success story stands as a shining example of how determined policy implementation and community participation can create lasting change.