New Delhi, Mar 31 (PTI): India's literacy level has increased by 9.21 per cent in the past 10 years to reach 74.04 per cent, according to provisional data of the 2011 census released here today.

According to the data, literates constitute 74 per cent of the total population aged seven and above and illiterates form 26 per cent.

The literacy rate went up from 64.83 per cent in 2001 to 74.04 per cent in 2011 showing an increase of 9.21 per cent.

Interestingly, females literacy level saw a significant jump as compared to males between 2001-2011.

While female literacy in 2001 stood at 53.67 per cent, it has gone up to 65.46 per cent in 2011. The male literacy in comparison rose from 75.26 to 82.14 per cent.

Kerala with 93.91 per cent continues to occupy the top position among states in the field of literacy while Mizoram's Serchhip (98.76 per cent) and Aizawl (98)