International Literacy Day 2025 MCQs with Answers and Explanations: 50 Must-Know Questions for Students

1. When is International Literacy Day observed each year?

• A) 5th September

• B) 8th September

• C) 10th September

• D) 15th September

Answer: B) 8th September
Explanation: International Literacy Day is celebrated annually on 8th September, declared by UNESCO in 1966.

2. Who declared International Literacy Day in 1966?

• A) United Nations

• B) UNESCO

• C) UNICEF

• D) World Bank

Answer: B) UNESCO
Explanation: UNESCO proclaimed International Literacy Day in 1966, with the first celebration in 1967.

3. What is the theme of International Literacy Day 2025?

• A) Literacy for Human Rights

• B) Literacy for a Sustainable Future

• C) Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era

• D) Literacy for All

Answer: C) Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era
Explanation: The theme for International Literacy Day 2025 is focused on digital literacy and bridging the digital divide.

4. Which Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) is directly linked to literacy?

• A) SDG 3 (Good Health)

• B) SDG 4 (Quality Education)

• C) SDG 8 (Decent Work)

• D) SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities)

Answer: B) SDG 4 (Quality Education)
Explanation: SDG 4 ensures inclusive and equitable quality education and promotes lifelong learning opportunities for all.

5. What was the global adult literacy rate as of 2024?

• A) 78%

• B) 84%

• C) 86%

• D) 90%

Answer: C) 86%
Explanation: According to UNESCO, the global adult literacy rate in 2024 was around 86%. 

6. Which year marked the first celebration of International Literacy Day?

• A) 1967

• B) 1970

• C) 1980

• D) 1990

Answer: A) 1967
Explanation: Following UNESCO’s 1966 proclamation, the first International Literacy Day was celebrated in 1967.

7. Which Indian city hosted the International Literacy Day celebrations in 1998?

• A) New Delhi

• B) Kolkata

• C) Hyderabad

• D) Chennai

Answer: A) New Delhi
Explanation: In 1998, New Delhi hosted the global celebration of International Literacy Day, showing India’s commitment to literacy.

8. Which global report is often released around International Literacy Day?

• A) World Economic Outlook

• B) Global Education Monitoring Report

• C) Human Development Index

• D) Global Competitiveness Report

Answer: B) Global Education Monitoring Report
Explanation: UNESCO frequently links International Literacy Day events with the Global Education Monitoring Report, highlighting literacy gaps.

9. Which region has the lowest adult literacy rate according to UNESCO data?

• A) Europe

• B) North America

• C) Sub-Saharan Africa

• D) East Asia

Answer: C) Sub-Saharan Africa
Explanation: Sub-Saharan Africa continues to face challenges, with the lowest adult literacy rates globally.

10. Which Indian programme was launched in 2009 to improve adult literacy?

• A) Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan

• B) National Literacy Mission

• C) Saakshar Bharat Mission

• D) Beti Bachao Beti Padhao

Answer: C) Saakshar Bharat Mission
Explanation: The Saakshar Bharat Mission aimed to improve adult literacy, especially for women.

11. What is the literacy rate of India as per Census 2011?

• A) 64.8%

• B) 69.1%

• C) 74.04%

• D) 80.1%

Answer: C) 74.04%
Explanation: The 2011 Census reported India’s literacy rate at 74.04%. Updated figures are awaited in the next Census.

12. International Literacy Day 2025 focuses mainly on:

• A) Rural education

• B) Women empowerment

• C) Digital literacy

• D) Vocational training

Answer: C) Digital literacy
Explanation: The 2025 theme emphasizes Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era, addressing the digital divide.

13. Which Indian leader launched the National Literacy Mission in 1988?

• A) Indira Gandhi

• B) Rajiv Gandhi

• C) Atal Bihari Vajpayee

• D) Manmohan Singh

Answer: B) Rajiv Gandhi
Explanation: Rajiv Gandhi initiated the National Literacy Mission in 1988 to eradicate adult illiteracy.

14. Which international prize is awarded on International Literacy Day?

• A) Nobel Peace Prize

• B) UNESCO Literacy Prizes

• C) Global Education Prize

• D) Booker Prize

Answer: B) UNESCO Literacy Prizes
Explanation: The UNESCO Literacy Prizes recognize innovative projects advancing literacy worldwide.

15. Which UNESCO institute coordinates literacy programmes globally?

• A) UIL (Institute for Lifelong Learning)

• B) IBE (International Bureau of Education)

• C) UIS (Institute for Statistics)

• D) UNEVOC

Answer: A) UIL (Institute for Lifelong Learning)
Explanation: Based in Hamburg, UIL supports literacy, adult education, and lifelong learning globally.

16. What percentage of the world’s illiterate adults are women?

• A) 33%

• B) 50%

• C) 60%

• D) 70%

Answer: C) 60%
Explanation: Around 60% of the world’s illiterate adults are women, highlighting gender inequality in literacy.

17. Which Indian state has the highest literacy rate (as per Census 2011)?

• A) Kerala

• B) Goa

• C) Mizoram

• D) Himachal Pradesh

Answer: A) Kerala
Explanation: Kerala tops the literacy charts with over 93% literacy.

18. Which Indian state had the lowest literacy rate in 2011?

• A) Bihar

• B) Jharkhand

• C) Rajasthan

• D) Arunachal Pradesh

Answer: A) Bihar
Explanation: Bihar recorded the lowest literacy rate in India during the 2011 Census.

19. Which SDG target year aligns with literacy goals?

• A) 2025

• B) 2030

• C) 2040

• D) 2050

Answer: B) 2030
Explanation: The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim for inclusive education and literacy for all by 2030.

20. The main slogan of UNESCO’s literacy programmes is:

• A) Education for Growth

• B) Literacy for All

• C) Learning Never Ends

• D) Education First

Answer: B) Literacy for All
Explanation: “Literacy for All” reflects UNESCO’s vision for universal literacy. 

21. When was International Literacy Day first observed globally?

• A) 1967

• B) 1966

• C) 1970

• D) 1980
  Answer: B) 1966
  Explanation: UNESCO declared and first celebrated International Literacy Day in 1966. 

22. Which UN body is primarily responsible for promoting literacy worldwide?

• A) UNICEF

• B) UNESCO

• C) UNDP

D) WHO
Answer: B) UNESCO
Explanation: UNESCO plays a key role in promoting literacy, including International Literacy Day.  

23. What is the theme of International Literacy Day 2025?

• A) Literacy for All

• B) Promoting Lifelong Learning

• C) Literacy for a Sustainable Future

• D) Literacy and Digital Inclusion
  Answer: C) Literacy for a Sustainable Future
  Explanation: The 2025 theme emphasizes literacy as a foundation for sustainable societies. 

24. Which Indian state has the highest literacy rate as per Census 2011?

• A) Kerala

• B) Mizoram

• C) Goa

• D) Himachal Pradesh
  Answer: A) Kerala
  Explanation: Kerala tops with more than 93% literacy. 

25. Which Indian state recorded the lowest literacy rate in Census 2011?

• A) Bihar

• B) Rajasthan

• C) Uttar Pradesh

• D) Jharkhand
  Answer: A) Bihar
  Explanation: Bihar had the lowest literacy rate at around 61.8%. 

26. Which Nobel laureate is known for promoting education, especially for girls?

• A) Kailash Satyarthi

• B) Malala Yousafzai

• C) Amartya Sen

• D) Mother Teresa
  Answer: B) Malala Yousafzai
  Explanation: Malala won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014 for advocating girls’ education. 

27. What is the literacy rate of India as per Census 2011?

• A) 65%

• B) 74%

• C) 78%

• D) 80%
  Answer: B) 74%
  Explanation: India’s overall literacy rate was recorded at 74.04%. 

28. Who coined the phrase “Right to Education is the key to empowerment”?

• A) Nelson Mandela

• B) Mahatma Gandhi

• C) Amartya Sen

• D) Kailash Satyarthi
  Answer: A) Nelson Mandela
  Explanation: Mandela linked education with empowerment, a core idea behind literacy. 

29. Which international goal includes literacy as a key target?

• A) Millennium Development Goals

• B) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• C) Paris Agreement

• D) Kyoto Protocol
  Answer: B) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
  Explanation: SDG 4 focuses on quality education and universal literacy. 

30. Which program in India was launched in 1978 to improve literacy?

• A) National Literacy Mission

• B) Adult Education Program

• C) Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan

• D) NEP 2020
  Answer: B) Adult Education Program
  Explanation: It focused on adult literacy to empower the rural population. 

31. International Literacy Day was proclaimed in which year by UNESCO?

• A) 1965

• B) 1966

• C) 1967

• D) 1970
  Answer: A) 1965
  Explanation: UNESCO proclaimed it in 1965, celebrated from 1966. 

32. Which scheme focuses on school education in India under Samagra Shiksha?

• A) Beti Bachao Beti Padhao

• B) Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan

• C) Mid-Day Meal Scheme

• D) National Education Policy
  Answer: B) Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan
  Explanation: SSA, later merged under Samagra Shiksha, aims at universal elementary education. 

33. Which city hosted UNESCO’s International Literacy Prizes 2024 ceremony?

• A) Paris

• B) New Delhi

• C) Beijing

• D) New York
  Answer: A) Paris
  Explanation: UNESCO’s HQ in Paris hosts many International Literacy Day events.

34. Which article of the Indian Constitution makes education a fundamental right?

• A) Article 14

• B) Article 19

• C) Article 21A

• D) Article 32
  Answer: C) Article 21A
  Explanation: Article 21A was added by the 86th Amendment, ensuring free and compulsory education. 

35. What is the target year of SDG 4 to ensure inclusive and equitable education?

• A) 2025

• B) 2030

• C) 2040

• D) 2050
  Answer: B) 2030
  Explanation: SDGs, adopted in 2015, aim to achieve education targets by 2030. 

36. Which state launched the “Padhe Bharat Badhe Bharat” initiative?

• A) Rajasthan

• B) Uttar Pradesh

• C) Madhya Pradesh

• D) Central Government of India
  Answer: D) Central Government of India
  Explanation: It was launched nationally to improve early reading and writing skills.

37. Which Indian leader said, “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world”?

• A) Mahatma Gandhi

• B) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

• C) Nelson Mandela

• D) Jawaharlal Nehru
  Answer: C) Nelson Mandela
  Explanation: Mandela’s famous quote highlights the transformative power of literacy.  

38. Which Indian program provides mid-day meals to encourage school attendance?

• A) Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan

• B) Mid-Day Meal Scheme

• C) Beti Bachao Beti Padhao

• D) Digital India Mission
  Answer: B) Mid-Day Meal Scheme
  Explanation: This scheme improves nutrition and boosts literacy through school retention.

39. Which global event inspired UNESCO to focus on literacy?

• A) World War I

• B) World War II

• C) Cold War

• D) Industrial Revolution
  Answer: B) World War II
  Explanation: Post-WWII reconstruction emphasized education as key to peace and development. 

40. What is the literacy rate gap between men and women in India (Census 2011)?

• A) 10%

• B) 16%

• C) 20%

• D) 25%
  Answer: B) 16%
  Explanation: Male literacy was 82%, female literacy was 65%, showing a 16% gap.  

41. Which program was renamed as “Padhna Likhna Abhiyan” in 2020?

• A) National Literacy Mission

• B) Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan

• C) Mid-Day Meal Scheme

• D) Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
  Answer: A) National Literacy Mission
  Explanation: To promote adult literacy with a new focus, it was rebranded in 2020.  

42. Which Indian Prime Minister launched the “Saakshar Bharat” program in 2009?

• A) Atal Bihari Vajpayee

• B) Dr. Manmohan Singh

• C) Narendra Modi

• D) P.V. Narasimha Rao
  Answer: B) Dr. Manmohan Singh
  Explanation: The program aimed at adult literacy, especially for women.  

43. Which country has the highest literacy rate in the world?

• A) Japan

• B) Finland

• C) Cuba

• D) South Korea
  Answer: C) Cuba
  Explanation: Cuba consistently ranks among the highest in global literacy rates.  

  44. Which Indian scheme focuses on skill development for youth?

• A) PMKVY (Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana)

• B) Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan

• C) Padhna Likhna Abhiyan

• D) Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
  Answer: A) PMKVY
  Explanation: Skill development is linked with literacy and employability.  

45. International Literacy Day 2025 highlights which critical link?

• A) Literacy and poverty reduction

• B) Literacy and sustainable future

• C) Literacy and industrialization

• D) Literacy and military strength
  Answer: B) Literacy and sustainable future
  Explanation: The 2025 theme underlines literacy as the backbone of sustainability. 

46. Which famous personality said, “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free”?

• A) Nelson Mandela

• B) Mahatma Gandhi

• C) Frederick Douglass

• D) A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

Answer: C) Frederick Douglass
Explanation: Douglass, an African-American social reformer, emphasized the power of literacy in achieving freedom.

47. Which organization runs the Global Alliance for Literacy?

• A) World Bank

• B) UNESCO

• C) UNICEF

• D) UNDP

Answer: B) UNESCO
Explanation: UNESCO leads the Global Alliance for Literacy to support countries with low literacy rates.

48. In 2025, which continent still has the highest number of illiterate adults?

• A) Asia

• B) Africa

• C) Europe

• D) South America

Answer: A) Asia
Explanation: Despite progress, Asia still has the largest number of illiterate adults due to its population size.

49. Which literacy campaign used the slogan “Each One Teach One” in India?

• A) National Literacy Mission

• B) Saakshar Bharat Mission

• C) Total Literacy Campaign

• D) Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan

Answer: C) Total Literacy Campaign
Explanation: The Total Literacy Campaign adopted “Each One Teach One” to encourage peer learning.

50. Why are International Literacy Day 2025 MCQs with answers and explanations important for students?

• A) Helps exam preparation

• B) Boosts awareness about global issues

• C) Strengthens GK

• D) All of the above

Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Practicing International Literacy Day 2025 MCQs with answers and explanations improves exam readiness, GK, and awareness of global education issues.