Rise in Literacy Among Muslims: A Steady Climb Towards Educational Empowerment

By Census 2011, this figure had improved to 68.5% for Muslims, compared to the national literacy rate of 73.0%, marking a 9.4 percentage point increase.

The literacy rate among Muslims in India has shown a significant increase over the past two decades. According to Census 2001, the literacy rate among Muslims aged 7 years and above stood at 59.1%, whereas the all-India literacy rate for the same age group was 64.8%. By Census 2011, this figure had improved to 68.5% for Muslims, compared to the national literacy rate of 73.0%, marking a 9.4 percentage point increase.

Further, as per the Annual Report of the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023-24, the literacy rate among Muslims has risen to 79.5% for individuals aged 7 years and above, narrowing the gap with the national literacy rate, which stands at 80.9% for all religious communities.

The Ministry of Minority Affairs, responsible for the welfare and socio-economic development of six notified minority communities—Buddhists, Christians, Jains, Muslims, Parsis, and Sikhs—has played a key role in fostering educational empowerment. The government has implemented several schemes and policies focused on improving access to quality education, infrastructure development, economic upliftment, and institutional support to minority communities.

Through initiatives such as scholarships, skill development programs, and infrastructure projects, the Ministry continues to work towards bridging the educational gap and ensuring inclusive development. The Union Minister of Minority & Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju, presented this data in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, emphasizing the government’s commitment to uplifting minority communities through education and economic opportunities.