ULLAS Initiative: Student Teachers to Be Mandatorily Involved in Adult Literacy Drive

In a major step towards strengthening adult education in the country, the Union Education Ministry has made participation in the ULLAS adult literacy programme mandatory for students enrolled in recognised teacher education institutions. Under the new guidelines, student teachers will be required to teach between five and eight non-literate adults, depending on the duration of their academic programme. The initiative aims to expand literacy opportunities among adults while encouraging future teachers to contribute to community development.

The guidelines, titled Guidelines for Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs) under ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, were launched by Union Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary on October 28, 2026. According to the framework, students enrolled in two-year teacher education programmes will have to teach at least five adults, while those pursuing three-year and four-year programmes will be required to support six and eight learners, respectively.

The mandatory requirement will cover courses such as Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.), Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed.), Master of Education (M.Ed.), Bachelor of Physical Education (B.P.Ed.), Master of Physical Education (M.P.Ed.) and the Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP). The guidelines also link academic credits to the successful completion of the literacy programme. Student teachers will receive the prescribed academic credits or equivalent grades only after the adult learners they teach appear for the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT) and obtain certification.

Under the programme, students will work as volunteer teachers, helping identify adult learners, register them on the ULLAS platform, organise learning sessions and monitor their progress. They will also be responsible for maintaining records and supporting learners in preparing for the assessment. The ULLAS initiative, officially known as Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society, is the government's New India Literacy Programme. Launched in 2022, it aims to provide foundational literacy and numeracy skills to individuals aged 15 years and above who have missed out on formal education.

Apart from basic reading, writing and mathematics, the programme focuses on essential life skills, including financial literacy, digital awareness, healthcare education, vocational skills and continuing education. Teacher education institutions will play a key role in implementing the new guidelines by appointing nodal officers and coordinating with state and district authorities. They will also be encouraged to collaborate with schools, local bodies and community organisations to identify adult learners.

The move is expected to strengthen the country's adult literacy campaign by bringing teacher training institutions directly into community-based educational activities. It will also provide aspiring teachers with practical experience of working with learners from different age groups and educational backgrounds. The initiative is part of the government's broader effort to promote lifelong learning and improve access to education, particularly among adults who have remained outside the formal education system.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.