National Education Day 2026: History, significance, celebrations and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad’s contribution

National Education Day is observed across India on November 11 every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the country's first education minister. The day recognises his contributions to India's education system and highlights the importance of education in nation-building.

The Ministry of Human Resource Development (now the Ministry of Education) announced the decision to observe November 11 as National Education Day in September 2008. The first celebration was held on November 11, 2008, at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, with then President Pratibha Patil presiding over the event.

Also read 1 in 5 Indian children live below poverty line; at 21%, poverty rate highest among the uneducated: World Bank

Schools, colleges, universities and other educational institutions across the country mark the occasion through various activities, including seminars, workshops, discussions, essay-writing competitions and cultural programmes.

National Education Day History

Born on November 11, 1888, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad served as India's first education minister between 1947 and 1958. He played an important role in shaping the country's education policies in the years following independence. In 1920, he was elected to foundation committee for establishing Jamia Millia Islamia in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh and also played a role in university's relocation to national capital in 1934. The main gate of the university campus is named after him.

In September 2008, the government officially declared his birth anniversary as National Education Day to honour his contributions to education. The Ministry of Human Resource Development announced that the day would be observed annually to remember his role in strengthening India's education system.

Also read NSO Survey: Nearly 50% of children travelling at least 1 km to school walk, more so in rural areas

He also contributed to the establishment and development of several important educational institutions and bodies, including the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).

Importance of National Education Day

National Education Day emphasizes the importance of education in empowerment of individual and in the development of the society. The occasion is also an opportunity to look back at the journey of the education system in India and the need to make quality education accessible to all.

Educational institutions across India organise various programmes and activities to mark the day including seminars, conferences, workshops and discussions on education reforms, literacy and the importance of equal access to education.

Schools and colleges also conduct essay-writing, speech and debate competitions to encourage students to learn about Maulana Azad's contributions and the importance of education.