China vs India: Adult Literacy Rate Comparison
Compare Adult Literacy Rate (% of People Aged 15+) of China and India over time using official World Bank Open Data.
In 2024, China recorded Adult Literacy Rate (% of People Aged 15+) of 96.7% vs 78.2% for India (China's Adult Literacy Rate is 18.6% higher than India's.).
China vs India All Annual Observations (1981 – 2024)
Complete annual observations of Adult Literacy Rate (% of People Aged 15+) for China and India reported by World Bank.
| Year | 🇨🇳 China Adult Literacy Rate | 🇮🇳 India Adult Literacy Rate | Difference / Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | No data | 78.2% | — |
| 2023 | No data | 81.7% | — |
| 2022 | No data | 76.3% | — |
| 2021 | No data | 76.1% | — |
| 2020 | 96.7% | 75.5% | 21.2% |
| 2019 | No data | 74.9% | — |
| 2018 | No data | 73.7% | — |
| 2012 | No data | 69.8% | — |
| 2011 | No data | 69.3% | — |
| 2010 | 95.1% | 68.3% | 26.8% |
| 2006 | No data | 62.8% | — |
| 2001 | No data | 61.0% | — |
| 2000 | 90.9% | No data | — |
| 1991 | No data | 48.2% | — |
| 1990 | 77.8% | No data | — |
| 1982 | 65.5% | No data | — |
| 1981 | No data | 40.8% | — |
Adult Literacy Rate Comparison
Historical Trends
Over the available reporting period from 2010 to 2024, China and India followed distinct developmental paths. In 2010, China recorded 95.1% compared to 68.3% for India. By 2024, the values evolved to 96.7% and 78.2% respectively.
Key Differences
About Adult Literacy Rate (% of People Aged 15+)
Percentage of population age 15 and above who can both read and write with understanding a short simple statement.
This comparison uses standardized data from World Bank Open Data. Historical records allow analysts to trace long-term development trajectories for China and India.
Frequently Asked Questions — Adult Literacy Rate
What is the Adult Literacy Rate of China?
In 2020, China's Adult Literacy Rate was 96.7% according to official World Bank data.
What is the Adult Literacy Rate of India?
In 2024, India's Adult Literacy Rate was 78.2% according to official World Bank data.
Which country has a higher Adult Literacy Rate?
In 2024, China recorded a higher Adult Literacy Rate of 96.7% compared to India's 78.2% (a difference of 18.6%).
How has Adult Literacy Rate changed over time for China and India?
From 2010 to 2024, China's Adult Literacy Rate changed by +1.7% since 2010, while India's changed by +14.4% since 2010.
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Related Indicators
Data Source and Methodology
Source: World Bank Open Data. Indicator Code:SE.ADT.LITR.ZS (Adult Literacy Rate (% of People Aged 15+)).
Values represent annual adult literacy rate (% of people aged 15+) for China and India from 2010 through 2024. Missing reporting years are omitted without converting missing values to zero.