Lakshadweep Becomes India’s First 100% Literate Union Territory Under ULLAS

Lakshadweep was made a fully literate union territory on October 11, 2026, under the centrally sponsored adult education program known as ULLAS-Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram. This was after administrator Praful Patel declared the territory literate when all eligible adults managed to pass the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT). From the Department of Education, it emerged that from the initial survey that was conducted, there were 1,113 adult non-literates in the region. Teaching programmes and home-based assessment and testing assisted in completing the assessment process.

Lakshadweep Achieves 100% Literacy Status

It became a milestone in adult education in Lakshadweep with the declaration of October 11, 2026.

It emerged from the department of Education that non-literate learners in the region were identified through the initial survey and organized teaching and assessment activities were conducted to assist the learners in developing their foundational literacy and numeracy.

The department stated that all the eligible learners passed the FLNAT, thus helping the union territory attain 100% literacy status under the ULLAS Programme.

The teachers and supervisors also conducted assessments at the doorsteps of learners who failed to or hesitated in visiting designated examination centers.

What Is the ULLAS Programme?

ULLAS means Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society. Another name for this scheme is Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, which is a centrally sponsored scheme and mainly focuses on adult education and lifelong learning.

This programme is designed to enable non-literates gain vital skills and increase their engagement in socio-economic activities.

Key aspects of the programme are,

• Literacy and Numeracy: Learning basic reading, writing and numeracy skills.
• Critical Life Skills: Learning necessary life skills.
• Basic Education: Offering educational opportunities to the adults who missed the formal education.
• Vocational Skills: Learning occupational skills.
• Continuing Education: Lifelong learning after acquiring thebasic literacy skills.

The success of the Lakshadweep programme indicates the importance of instruction, learner support and assessment in increasing adult literacy.

What is Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT)?

The FLNAT assesses if the learners have attained basic literacy and numeracy skills.

In the context of ULLAS, the test is used to gauge the learning gains of the adults who have been engaged through literacy programs.

As per Lakshadweep, the education department made an effort to blend teaching drives along with tests to deal with the problems posed by some of the learners.

It is the successful completion of the test by all the learners that made it possible for the Union Territory to declare itself fully literate.