International Literacy Day 2025 

Organizing Body & Objective

In line with the State Literacy Mission Authority’s objectives, the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Kamrup, organized the International Literacy Day celebration.

What is International Literacy Day?

• Declared by: UNESCO in 1966

• Observed on: 8 September every year across the world

• Purpose:

  • To highlight the importance of literacy as a fundamental human right.

  • To promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Theme of International Literacy Day 2025

“Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era.”

Global Literacy Challenge

• According to UNESCO,

  • Around 763 million adults worldwide still lack basic literacy skills.

  • Women constitute two-thirds of the global illiterate population, showing a strong gender disparity.

Literacy in India

• As per NSSO data (2022):

  • Overall Literacy Rate: 77.7%

  • Male Literacy Rate: 84.7%

  • Female Literacy Rate: 70.3%
    ➤ Highlights a significant gender gap in literacy.

• Regional Disparities:

  • Kerala: Highest literacy rate (~96%)

  • Bihar: Lowest literacy rate (~61.8%)

Literacy in Assam (According to Census 2011)

• Overall Literacy Rate: 72.19%

• Male Literacy Rate: 77.85%

• Female Literacy Rate: 66.27%

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• Promotes inclusive and equitable quality education.

• Supports UN SDG 4: Quality Education.

MCQ Practice for UPSC/APSC

Q1. Consider the following statements regarding International Literacy Day:

1. International Literacy Day was first declared by UNESCO in 1966.

2. It is observed every year on 8 September across the world.

3. The theme of International Literacy Day 2024 was “Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace.”

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: d) 1, 2 and 3