Chandigarh Becomes Second Fully Literate Union Territory with 99.93% Literacy | 13 Mar 2026

Why in News? 

Chandigarh has achieved a significant educational milestone by recording a 99.93% literacy rate, leading to its recognition as a fully literate Union Territory (UT) — the second UT in India after Ladakh to do so.  

Key Points: 

  • The Announcement: It follows a comprehensive verification process under the New India Literacy Programme (NILP), marking the highest literacy level ever recorded for any state or UT in the country. 
  • The Literacy Gap: Out of the total target population identified during the initial survey, the UT successfully educated and certified the remaining non-literate individuals, bringing the figure to near-absolute saturation. 
  • Methodology: The status was achieved through the rigorous implementation of the Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram (New India Literacy Programme), which targets non-literates aged 15 years and above. 
  • Verification: The 99.93% figure was validated through the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT) conducted across all government schools and community centres in the UT.  
  • Factors Driving the Success:The UT administration mobilised "Vidyalaya Kalyan Samitis" and student volunteers from colleges to act as "Preraks" (instructors) for non-literate adults. 
    • Digital Integration: Extensive use of the ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) mobile app helped track learners’ progress in real-time. 
    • Urban-Rural Convergence: Intensive drives were conducted in "Colonies" and peri-urban pockets of Chandigarh to ensure that migrant populations were included in the literacy net. 
    • Targeted Focus: Specific attention was given to functional literacy—teaching individuals not just to sign their names, but to perform basic banking tasks, read signboards, and use digital payment interfaces.  
  • Significance:This achievement is a direct contribution to Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education), which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.