– Ronita Torcato 

More than 11 lakh learners in Maharashtra, alongside others from across India, appeared for the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT) on March 29, 2026, under the ULLAS-Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, contributing to a national participation of over 80 lakh learners.

The central government sponsored adult education scheme Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society (ULLAS) aka the New India Literacy Programme, which was kickstarted in  2022 across India, will conclude in 2O27.

Combining online/offline learning via the ULLAS Web Portal/Mobile App the program operates through Samjik Chetna Kendras in schools, focusing on “Jan-Jan Sakshar” (literacy for all) and  is designed to cover non-literates across all states and Union Territories,  targeting those who missed formal education. 

In Maharashtra this year, the basic literacy and numeracy assessment test of illiterate persons registered on the Ullas app for 2025-26 was conducted  on Sunday, March 29, 2026. 

The test was conducted in nine languages namely Marathi, Hindi, English, Urdu, Gujarati, Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Bengali, by the Department of School Education and Literacy which will issue certificates and mark sheets to the newly literate candidates.

The test emphasises foundational literacy, numeracy, critical life skills, disaster management skills, health care and awareness, childcare, education and family welfare. 

Maharashtra’s school education minister Dadaji Bhuse, minister of state Dr. Pankaj Bhoyar, principal secretary Ranjit Singh Deol and education secretary Sachindra Pratap Singh (I.A.S.) conveyed their best wishes to the learners. 

As ‘District Examination Inspectors ‘, the district collector, chief executive officer, education officers and heads of relevant agencies visited all the districts and observed the examinations. Education director (planning) Krishnakumar Patil expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the various agencies that encouraged the illiterate students.

Approximately 11,31,473 adults appeared for the assessments held in March 2024 and March 2025. By September 2025, the number of successful candidates  surpassed one million. Jalgaon district recorded the highest registrations with 89,533 participants, followed by Mumbai with 25,902.

Maharashtra is a top-performing state for ULLAS certification along with Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.

Director (project) state education, Krishna Kumar Patil said, “This is a “national mission” all teachers, volunteers are working together for this mission.”

Mahendra Ganpule, a member of the Maharashtra Principals’ Association, said, “Everyone must have basic literacy to safeguard themselves from various frauds.” Ganpule also urged the government to provide better remuneration to teachers working under the scheme 

The financial outlay of “ULLAS” is Rs.1037.90 crore, which includes a Central share of Rs.700 crore and state share of Rs.337.90 crore.

The scheme is implemented through volunteerism and has already benefitted more than 77 lakh people nationwide who have appeared for literacy test. The ULLAS Mobile App has garnered over 1.33 crore learners and 35 lakh volunteer teachers thus far.

Goa declared 100 percent literacy under the ULLAS Programme on May 30, 2025.

As of 2026, Mizoram has staked a claim as the highest literate state in India with approximately 98.2 percent literacy (followed by Lakshadweep, Goa and Kerala which historically holds the top spot).

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