Universalisation of primary education is the main objective of the state government in the field of education. In fact, Tripura has made a comprehensive progress in the field of education since launching of first five-year-plan. 

It has been the endeavour of the government to spread education in all sections of the society, especially the tribal population. 

As per 1991 Census, the literacy rate in Tripura was 60.44% of which 70.6% are male population and 49.7% are female population. The All India literacy rate was 52.2% and Male literacy was 64.1% and female was 39.3%. The literacy rate for SC is 56.66% and ST is 40.37% in the state as per 1991 Census while literacy percentage of SC is 37.41% and ST is 29.60% at All India level in the same Census. As per an estimate from various rounds of National Sample Surveys (NSS) the total literacy rate of Tripura in 1996-97 was 73% and All India estimate for total literacy was 62% in 1996-97. 

The priority has also been given to constant new school-buildings as well as to re-construct and repair the existing school-buildings despite resource crunch. Side by side steps have been taken to extend the facilities of science education and other vocational education including computer education at school-level in the state. The hostel facilities have also been extended to all over the state specially for ST, SC and OBC students. 

The total literacy campaign has been launched in the state in February, 1994. Since then 384179 people have been made literate as per norm of the National Literacy Mission and they have reached the next phase of Post literacy campaign. In fact, in order to attain the basic objectives of universalisation of primary education, the state government has laid special emphasis on mass-literacy campaigns, non-formal education and formal school-education. The endeavour has been given through five-year-plans to ensure universal provision of primary school for the age group of 6-14 years.