Prayagraj: Age proved no barrier to learning in Uttar Pradesh as more than 11.68 lakh previously non-literate adults became literate over the last three years under the Centre’s New India Literacy Programme (NILP), with 2026 witnessing the highest-ever success. Nearly 4 lakh adults cleared the literacy assessment held in March this year, making it the best-performing examination since the programme was launched.The New India Literacy Programme, approved by the Union govt for the period 2022-23 to 2026-27, aims to provide foundational literacy and numeracy to non-literate persons aged 15 years and above through non-formal education. Literacy assessments are conducted twice every year by the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS).According to official figures, 13.81 lakh people registered for the seven literacy examinations conducted between March 2023 and March 2026, of whom 11.68 lakh successfully qualified, resulting in an overall pass percentage of nearly 85%.The first examination, held on March 19, 2023, saw 1.46 lakh registrations, with 81,784 candidates passing. The second examination on Sept 24, the same year, recorded 2.40 lakh registrations and 1.90 lakh successful candidates. In 2024, 1.33 lakh candidates registered for the March examination, of whom 1.09 lakh qualified, while the Sept examination saw 1.48 lakh registrations and 1.26 lakh successful candidates.The trend continued in 2025, with 1.66 lakh candidates registering in March and 1.40 lakh clearing the assessment, followed by 1.43 lakh registrations and 1.22 lakh successful candidates in the Sept examination. This year, the examination in March set a record, with 4.01 lakh candidates appearing and an impressive 3.97 lakh qualifying.The programme is currently being implemented through 1.27 lakh literacy centres spread across nearly 960 urban local bodies and development blocks in Uttar Pradesh.Basic education director, Anil Bhushan Chaturvedi, said the state has set a target of making another 10 lakh non-literate adults literate during the 2026-27 academic session. Each learner undergoes a 200-hour literacy module, with teaching support provided by students of govt primary and upper primary schools, NCC and NSS volunteers, and DElEd trainees.Inspiring talesThe campaign has also produced inspiring stories. In Karchhana block of Prayagraj, 65-year-old Phoolkali not only became literate herself but also encouraged her two sons and their wives to appear for and clear the examination. Similarly, 76-year-old Sona Devi, 75-year-old Kalavati Devi and 72-year-old Tara Devi from Bahadurpur block successfully passed the examination, proving that it is never too late to learn.
