Inspite of its distance from the mainland, Andaman & Nicobar Islands has registered a substantial growth in the field of education over the last few years. With the spread of education, literacy in these islands has risen appreciably. In 1961, the literacy rate was only 33.63% and in 1991 it was 73.02%. According to a recent survey conducted by the National Sample Survey Organization, the literacy rate is now as high as 97% and this is the highest literacy rate in India as per the latest report by the National Sample Survey Organization.

In the beginning, higher school education was affiliated to Rangoon University, but with the separation of Burma from India this affiliation was transferred to Calcutta University in 1936. There are several highly reputed educational institutions for higher learning viz. Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar Government Polytechnic, Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya, Tagore Government College of Education etc.

The Directorate of Education had taken several steps to improve the quality of education in Andaman. Education is provided free of cost to all students in A & N Islands. It is highly subsidized with free text books and uniforms to all tribal students and to those belonging to families below the Poverty Line. Free travel concession is provided to students attending schools beyond distances of 4 km from their residence. Attendance scholarship is given to all tribal students. Computer education is also provided to the girls under the scheme of Social Welfare.

In order to improve the educational facilities and to generate awareness among the tribal community, the Education Dept. had also set up special schools called Ashram Schools. These schools were located in the areas having tribal settlements. They provided education with boarding and lodging at free of cost.