International Literacy Day 2026 and ULLAS Scheme

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Key takeaways

The ULLAS Mela was organized in New Delhi to mark the International Literacy Day 2026 celebrations.
The Ministry of Education runs the ULLAS scheme (Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram) from 2022-23 to 2026-27 for non-literate adults aged 15 years and above.
UNESCO declared 8th September as International Literacy Day in 1966, and the theme for 2026 is "Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity."
Global figures show that 739 million adults lacked basic literacy in 2024, while 272 million children remained out of school in 2023.

The celebrations for International Literacy Day 2026 concluded with the ULLAS Mela in New Delhi.
This event provided a common platform for learners, volunteer teachers, and States or UTs to share best practices in strengthening India's literacy movement.

ULLAS or Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society is also known as the Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram.
It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme implemented by the Ministry of Education for the period 2022-23 to 2026-27.
The scheme aims to provide foundational literacy and numeracy to non-literate adults aged 15 years and above while promoting lifelong learning.

UNESCO proclaimed International Literacy Day in 1966 during the 14th session of the UNESCO General Conference.
The world has observed this day annually on 8th September since 1967 to highlight the role of literacy in building peaceful and sustainable societies.
The theme for International Literacy Day 2026 is "Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity."
This theme emphasizes how literacy promotes social inclusion, sustainable futures, and new development opportunities.

Around 739 million youth and adults worldwide lacked basic literacy skills in 2024.
About 272 million children and adolescents were out of school globally in 2023.