National Education Day 2026

National Education Day is observed on 11 November, the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, independent India's first Minister of Education. Azad was a scholar, journalist and freedom fighter who argued that education was essential to both individual freedom and national development.

National Education Day is observed on 11 November, the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, independent India's first Minister of Education. Azad was a scholar, journalist and freedom fighter who argued that education was essential to both individual freedom and national development. As education minister from 1947 to 1958, he supported expansion of higher and technical education, cultural institutions and public access to learning during the difficult first decade after independence. His period in office was associated with the development of institutions that would shape Indian science, technology, arts and university education. The Government first observed National Education Day in 2008 to honour this legacy. Schools and colleges use the day for lectures, competitions and discussions about literacy, inclusion and the purpose of education. It reminds society that a democratic country depends on citizens who have the opportunity to learn, think independently and participate fully in public life.

Honours Maulana Abul Kalam Azad's work and emphasises inclusive, high-quality education as essential to citizenship and opportunity.

School assemblies, educational exhibitions, lectures, literacy initiatives and discussions on equal access to learning.

Observed across India on 11 November, Azad's birth anniversary; the Government began this observance in 2008.