Sikkim became the 22nd state of India with effect from 26th April, 1975. This jewel-like mountain state of ethereal beauty with an area of 7299 sq. km nestles in the heart of Himalayas. The state’s literacy rate, according to 2001 census was 69.68% i.e. 76.73% for males and 61.46% for females.

Schooling in Sikkim starts at the age of 5 when a child is admitted into Class I of the primary stage. The state follows a uniform system of education i.e. the 10+2 system. The primary stage consists of Classes I-V, middle stage consists of Classes VI-VIII and the secondary stage consists of Classes IX-X. The state has encouraged its children by providing free education for the age group of 6-14. The “Sarva Siksha Abhiyan” is running in full swing to raise the literacy percentage in remote areas of the state.

There are a total of 1545 government-run educational institutions and eighteen private schools mostly located in towns. There are about twelve colleges and other institutions in Sikkim that offer higher education. The largest institution in the state is the highly-renowned Sikkim Manipal University which offers higher education in engineering and SMIMS medicine. There are two state-run polytechnics, Advanced Technical Training Centre (ATTC) and Centre for Computers and Communication Technology (CCCT) in Sikkim which offer diploma courses in various branches of engineering.

Administration

Shri Garjaman Gurung Department Minister for Human Resource Development Department

Educational Institutions

Institutes	Total
Primary Schools	531
Middle (Junior) Schools	118
Secondary Schools	77
Senior Sec. Schools	43
Public Schools	2
Degree Colleges	2
Engineering Colleges	1
Medical Colleges	1
B.Ed. Colleges	1
Law Colleges	1
Sheda	1
Monastic Schools	50
Sanskrit pathshala	12
Madrasa	1
Teachers Training Inst	1
Industrial Training Inst	1