Question

According to the Census of India (2011), what was Kerala's literacy rate?

• A. 91.9%
• B. 94%
• C. 91.3%
• D. 97.2%

Answer 1

Answer:

B. 94%

Kerala's Literacy Rate - Census 2011

• According to the Census of India 2011, Kerala achieved a remarkable literacy rate of 94%, making it the state with the highest literacy in India.
• This high literacy rate is a cornerstone of the 'Kerala Model of Development', which emphasizes human development indicators over mere economic growth.
• For competitive exams, it's crucial to know the break-up:
  • Male Literacy Rate (Kerala, 2011): 96.11%
  • Female Literacy Rate (Kerala, 2011): 92.07%
• The national average literacy rate in India, as per the 2011 Census, was 74.04%. This highlights Kerala's significant lead in educational attainment.
• Historically, several factors contributed to Kerala's high literacy:
  • Early efforts by Christian missionaries in education.
  • Progressive policies of princely states like Travancore and Cochin.
  • Strong public sector investment in education post-independence.
  • High social awareness and demand for education among the populace.
• It is important for competitive exams to remember that Bihar had the lowest literacy rate (61.8%) according to the 2011 Census.
• While the 2011 Census provides the specific figure for this question, a more recent NSO survey (National Statistical Office, 2017-18) indicated Kerala's literacy rate further increased to 96.2% overall, solidifying its top position.