State-wise Male & Female Literacy Rate

Literacy is a fundamental indicator of a nation's socio-economic development and plays a crucial role in shaping individual and collective progress. Male and female literacy rates reflect the level of education and opportunities available to both genders in a society. 

Historically, disparities have existed between the literacy rates of males and females, influenced by cultural, economic, and social factors. While significant progress has been made globally to address these gaps, challenges remain in achieving equal access to education for both genders, especially in developing regions. Understanding the trends and factors affecting male and female literacy rates is key to fostering inclusive and sustainable development.

Here is the latest state-wise male and female literacy rates in India as per the National Statistical Office (NSO) report, based on the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for 2017-18. Literacy rates tend to vary by state, gender, and rural/urban areas. I’ll give you a summary of both male and female literacy rates across major states:

National Average (2021 estimate): Male Literacy Rate: ~84.7% Female Literacy Rate: ~70.3% Observations: Kerala consistently ranks the highest for both male and female literacy, with over 95% literacy across both genders. States in the Northeast, such as Mizoram and Tripura, also have higher literacy rates. Bihar and Rajasthan have the lowest female literacy rates, significantly lagging behind the national average. Female literacy rates are generally lower compared to male literacy in most states, with a notable gap in states like Rajasthan, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh.