Literate and illiterate world population in India
India: Literate and illiterate world population was 21.8% in 2024. ◆ Volatile
Literate and illiterate world population in India, 1901–2024
Source: UNESCO (1957) and other sources – with major processing by Our World in Data. Measured in %.
Analysis
In 2024, literate and illiterate world population in India stood at 21.8%.
That represents a change of up 19.3% on the previous year and down 27.6% over ten years.
Over the whole period, literate and illiterate world population in India peaked at 93.8% in 1901 and was at its lowest, 18.3%, in 2023.
India ranks 37th of 128 countries on this measure, in the middle of the range.
The series is highly variable year to year, so single readings are best treated with caution.
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1900s | 93.8% | 93.8% | 93.8% | 1 |
| 1910s | 93.0% | 93.0% | 93.0% | 1 |
| 1920s | 91.7% | 91.7% | 91.7% | 1 |
| 1930s | 90.9% | 90.9% | 90.9% | 1 |
| 1950s | 82.5% | 82.5% | 82.5% | 1 |
| 1980s | 59.2% | 59.2% | 59.2% | 1 |
| 1990s | 51.8% | 51.8% | 51.8% | 1 |
| 2000s | 38.1% | 37.2% | 39.0% | 2 |
| 2010s | 28.8% | 25.1% | 31.7% | 5 |
| 2020s | 22.4% | 18.3% | 24.5% | 5 |
Countries ranked near India
More population data for India
- Population growth rate 0.9% (2023)
Frequently asked questions
- What is literate and illiterate world population in India?
- Literate and illiterate world population in India was 21.8% in 2024, according to UNESCO (1957) and other sources – with major processing by Our World in Data.
- What is the highest literate and illiterate world population recorded in India?
- The highest recorded value was 93.8% in 1901.
- What is the lowest literate and illiterate world population recorded in India?
- The lowest recorded value was 18.3% in 2023.
- How does India rank for literate and illiterate world population?
- India ranks 37th out of 128 countries with data for 2024.
- Is literate and illiterate world population rising or falling in India?
- Over the last ten years it is down 27.6%. The long-run trend across the full record is volatile.
- Where does this India data come from?
- The figures come from UNESCO (1957) and other sources – with major processing by Our World in Data, published as part of Literate and illiterate world population. Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
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About this data
Share of adults who cannot read and write a short, simple statement on their everyday life.