Which District of West Bengal has the Lowest Literacy Rate?

West Bengal, located in eastern India, is known for its rich cultural heritage and intellectual history. However, not all districts in the state reflect the same level of literacy. While districts like Kolkata boast high literacy rates, some others face challenges in education. Among these, Uttar Dinajpur stands out as the district with the lowest literacy rate.

An Overview of West Bengal

West Bengal, located in eastern India along the Bay of Bengal, is home to over 102 million people as of 2023. It is the fourth-most populous state in India, with Kolkata as its capital. Known for its diverse geography, West Bengal includes the Darjeeling hills, the Ganges delta, and the Sundarbans. It shares borders with Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and several Indian states, with Bengalis being the largest ethnic group.

Number of Districts in West Bengal

West Bengal is divided into 23 districts, organized into 5 administrative divisions. Kolkata serves as both the capital and largest city, while the Kolkata Metropolitan Region is the largest urban area in the state. These districts vary in size, population, and development.

Literacy Rate in West Bengal

West Bengal’s literacy rate stands at 76.26% as per the latest census. Male literacy is higher at 81.69%, while female literacy is 70.54%. This reflects progress in education, though efforts are still needed to bridge the gender gap in literacy across the state.

District of West Bengal with the Lowest Literacy Rate

Uttar Dinajpur, with a population of 3,007,134, has the lowest literacy rate in West Bengal at 59.07%. The district faces significant educational challenges, with a noticeable gender disparity, as male literacy stands at 63%, while female literacy lags behind at 54%.

Second District of West Bengal with the Lowest Literacy Rate

Maldah, with a population of 3,988,845, has the second-lowest literacy rate in West Bengal at 61.73%. Despite being a large district, educational progress remains slow, with challenges in improving access to quality education for its population of over two million people.