Lakshadweep Attains 100% Literacy Status

Lakshadweep was declared a 100% literate Union Territory on 11 October 2026. Administrator Praful Patel made the announcement at a function in Kavaratti. The achievement was recorded under ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, a Centrally sponsored scheme for adult education. An initial survey identified 1,113 adult non-literates across the islands, and all eligible learners cleared the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT).

ULLAS and Adult Education

ULLAS, also known as the New India Literacy Programme, is a Centrally sponsored scheme that covers adults aged 15 years and above who did not receive formal schooling. Its main aim is to provide foundational literacy and numeracy, together with critical life skills. The scheme uses community participation, including volunteer support, to facilitate learning and assessment.

Foundational literacy includes basic reading and writing abilities, while foundational numeracy covers basic mathematical skills. Critical life skills under adult education can include financial, digital and legal literacy. ULLAS also includes opportunities for learners to pursue basic education, vocational skills and continuing education.

Assessment and Learner Support

The Department of Education conducted intensive teaching and assessment drives for the 1,113 adults identified as non-literate in the initial survey. Learners were assessed through FLNAT, which tests foundational literacy and numeracy. Teachers and supervisors volunteered to conduct doorstep and home-based assessments for learners unable or hesitant to attend designated centres. Follow-up assessments and re-testing were organised so eligible learners could complete the evaluation process.

The 100% status announced for Lakshadweep is linked to the successful assessment of all eligible learners identified for the programme. The scheme’s target group is adults aged 15 and above who missed formal schooling; this differs from the Census of India’s conventional literacy measure, which counts people aged seven and above who can read and write with understanding in any language.

Literacy Measures in India

Literacy figures depend on the population group and assessment method used. The Census of India has traditionally defined a literate person as someone aged seven or above who can both read and write with understanding in any language. ULLAS focuses on adult learners and uses programme-based teaching and assessment in foundational literacy and numeracy. The Lakshadweep declaration followed FLNAT results for the eligible learners identified in its survey.

Important Facts for Exams

• ULLAS is a Centrally sponsored adult education programme for people aged 15 years and above who missed formal schooling.
• FLNAT stands for Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test.
• The Census of India’s conventional literacy definition applies to people aged seven and above and requires the ability to read and write with understanding.
• Kavaratti is the capital of the Union Territory of Lakshadweep.

All 1,113 eligible learners identified in Lakshadweep’s initial survey cleared FLNAT. ULLAS covers foundational literacy and numeracy, critical life skills, basic education, vocational skills and continuing education.