While India’s overall literacy rate has improved, several districts continue to face significant educational challenges. These areas, marked by low literacy rates, struggle with issues like poverty, lack of infrastructure, and socio-political conflicts. This article highlights the top 10 districts in India with the least literacy rates, shedding light on the factors contributing to their educational disparities and the ongoing efforts to address these issues.
Alirajpur in Madhya Pradesh has the lowest literacy rate in India as of 2024, with an average literacy rate of just 36.10%. The male literacy rate stands at 42.02%, while female literacy is significantly lower at 30.29%. The district’s low literacy levels are attributed to inadequate educational infrastructure, economic challenges, and social barriers. Efforts to improve literacy in Alirajpur include government schemes aimed at enhancing educational access and facilities for both children and adults.
Alirajpur with an average literacy rate of 36.10%, stands as the district with the lowest literacy rate in India, followed by Bijapur, Dantewada and Jhabua.
Here is the list of top-10 Indian districts with the lowest literacy rate in 2024:
| Top-10 Districts with the Lowest Literacy Rate in 2024 | |||||
| Rank | District | State | Average Literacy Rate (%) | Male Literacy Rate (%) | Female Literacy Rate (%) |
| 1. | Alirajpur | Madhya Pradesh | 36.10 | 42.02 | 30.29 |
| 2. | Bijapur | Chhattisgarh | 40.86 | 50.46 | 31.11 |
| 3. | Dantewada | Chhattisgarh | 42.12 | 51.96 | 32.54 |
| 4. | Jhabua | Madhya Pradesh | 43.30 | 52.85 | 33.77 |
| 5. | Nabarangapur | Orissa | 46.43 | 57.31 | 35.80 |
| 6. | Shrawasti | Uttar Pradesh | 46.74 | 57.16 | 34.78 |
| 7. | Malkangiri | Orissa | 48.54 | 59.07 | 38.28 |
| 8. | Narayanpur | Chhattisgarh | 48.62 | 57.31 | 39.88 |
| 9. | Kurung Kumey | Arunachal Pradesh | 48.75 | 55.12 | 42.64 |
| 10. | Pakur | Jharkhand | 48.82 | 57.06 | 40.52 |
Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred Oman’s highest national honour which is The…
A historic moment for India’s armed forces 23 year old Sai Jadhav has become the…
India and Saudi Arabia have taken another significant step to deepen their growing strategic relationship…
India’s ride hailing market is set to witness a significant shift with the upcoming rollout…
Significant boost to India’s defense logistics and operational readiness, the Indian Army has successfully inducted…
India’s labour market continued to show signs of strengthening in November 2025, with key employment…