In 30 Seconds
What it is: A free central scheme to teach reading, writing and maths to adults aged 15 and above.
The cost: Nothing. Classes, learning material and the app are free.
Who it affects: Adults who missed school, plus students and teachers who volunteer.
What to do: Register as a learner or volunteer on the ULLAS app or at nilp.education.gov.in.
ULLAS is a free government scheme that teaches reading, writing and basic maths to adults aged 15 and above who missed school. It runs from 2022 to 2027 and aims to make 5 crore adults literate, at 1 crore a year. The scheme is funded with Rs 1,037.90 crore.
On International Literacy Day, September 8, Education Minister Pralhad Joshi said literacy opens the door to knowledge and opportunity. He urged citizens to make sure no one is left behind. ULLAS is the main scheme carrying that promise.
Here is the part the headlines skip. Six states and union territories are called “fully literate”, but the bar for that label is 95%, not 100%. So many non-literate adults still remain, even where the flag has been planted.
There is a second gap. More than 2 crore learners have registered under ULLAS. Only 88,89,654 have been certified as literate through the scheme’s test. Most registered learners are not certified yet.
What is the ULLAS adult literacy scheme?
ULLAS stands for Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society. It is also called the New India Literacy Programme. The Ministry of Education runs it as a centrally sponsored scheme.
The Ministry of Education is the government body in charge of schools and higher education in India. It launched ULLAS in 2022. The scheme is tied to the National Education Policy of 2020, known as NEP.
The scheme has a total outlay of Rs 1,037.90 crore over five years. The Centre pays Rs 700 crore. The states pay Rs 337.90 crore.
Who is eligible for ULLAS?
Any adult aged 15 or above can join if they missed formal schooling. There is no upper age limit. The scheme covers learners from every background.
ULLAS does not stop at reading and writing. It teaches five things: basic literacy and numeracy, critical life skills, basic education, vocational skills, and continuing education. Life skills include financial, digital and legal knowledge.
Learning happens in a mix of modes. States can run classes offline, online, or both. A school is the base unit for most classes.
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How do you register for ULLAS?
You can register as a learner or as a volunteer teacher. Both sign up on the ULLAS mobile app or the portal at nilp.education.gov.in. The app launched on July 29, 2023.
Surveyors also find non-literate adults at the village level. They register them door to door. Classes then run at a local school or a Samajik Chetna Kendra, a community learning centre.
Learners study primers in their own language. ULLAS material is available in 26 Indian languages. Lessons also run on DTH channel number 14.
How does a learner become certified?
A learner takes the FLNAT to be certified. FLNAT is the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test. It checks reading, writing and numeracy.
The certificate is issued by the National Institute of Open Schooling. So far 1,11,03,397 learners have appeared in the test. Of them, 88,89,654 have been certified as literate.
More than 39 lakh volunteer teachers have registered to run classes. Volunteers include school teachers, students and retired people. They are not paid, and the scheme calls this a duty, or kartavyabodh.
Which states are fully literate under ULLAS?
A state is called “fully literate” when its literacy rate crosses 95% among people aged 15 and above. It does not mean everyone can read. The 95% mark stands in for full literacy in policy.
Ladakh was the first, declared in June 2024. Mizoram followed in May 2025, at 98.2%. Goa, Tripura and Himachal Pradesh were declared through 2025.
Himachal Pradesh reached 99.3%, announced on Literacy Day last year. Sikkim was declared in May 2026. Uttarakhand became the sixth state in July 2026.
| State or UT | Literacy rate | Declared |
|---|---|---|
| Ladakh (UT) | Above 97% | June 2024 |
| Mizoram | 98.2% | May 2025 |
| Tripura | 95.6% | June 2025 |
| Himachal Pradesh | 99.3% | September 2025 |
| Sikkim | Above 95% | May 2026 |
| Uttarakhand | Above 95% | July 2026 |
Goa was also declared in 2025, with a rate near 100%. Some union territories, including Chandigarh, are close behind. State rates come from survey data, not a fresh census.
Is ULLAS free for a family with no money to spare?
Yes. ULLAS costs a learner nothing. Classes, the primers and the app are all free.
A daily-wage worker who cannot read can join without paying a rupee. Evening classes are common, so work need not stop. The certificate at the end is also free.
Why the 95% benchmark matters
The 95% rule is a policy judgement, not a plain fact, and it deserves a clear eye. A state at 95% still has one non-literate adult in every twenty. In a big state that is a large number of people.
This is not a reason to dismiss the gains. Tripura climbed from 20.24% literacy in 1961 to 95.6%. That rise is real, and it took decades of work.
Bihar and West Bengal are not enrolled in ULLAS. Bihar has close to 2 crore non-literate adults. The national job is far from done.
Last verified: September 8, 2026
Disclaimer: Scheme rules, eligibility and state figures can change without notice. Check with the Ministry of Education before you act.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the ULLAS scheme?
Any adult aged 15 or above who missed formal schooling can join ULLAS. There is no upper age limit and no fee. Learners from every background are covered under the scheme.
Is ULLAS completely free?
Yes, ULLAS is completely free for the learner. The classes, the learning primers and the ULLAS mobile app cost nothing. The literacy certificate at the end is also free.
How do I register for ULLAS?
You register for ULLAS on the ULLAS mobile app or at the portal nilp.education.gov.in. You can sign up as a learner or as a volunteer teacher. Surveyors also register non-literate adults door to door.
What does “fully literate state” mean under ULLAS?
A state is called fully literate under ULLAS when its literacy rate crosses 95% among people aged 15 and above. It does not mean every adult can read. The 95% mark stands in for full literacy in policy.
How does a learner get a literacy certificate?
A learner takes the FLNAT, the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test, which checks reading, writing and numeracy. The National Institute of Open Schooling issues the certificate to those who pass.
