Despite the fact that the state of Meghalaya does not occupy a vast portion of the Indian land but it is surely evolving into one of the most advanced and technically advanced states. Going by the data collected in the 2001 census, approximately 63.31 % of the residents of the state of Meghalaya are literate.

The state has one central university located at Shillong. In addition to it there are few professional colleges including the premier "Shillong Engg. & Management" College located at Mawlai, Shillong.

Like all other states in the country, Meghalaya has also adopted the policy of free and compulsory education for its students up to the age of 14. The state also follows a uniform system of education i.e. the 10+2 system which is followed in all other states of the country. The primary stage consists of Classes I-IV, the middle stage consists of Classes V-VII and the secondary stage consists of Classes VIII-X. The higher secondary stage comprises of Classes XI and XII after which a student pursues higher education.

Educational Institutions

Institution	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05
Primary and Junior Basic	5659	5851	5851
Middle and Senior Basic	1041	1308	1759
High & Higher Secondary	601	654	711
Basic and Non-basic Training Schools	7	7	7
Teacher’s Training Colleges	2	2	2
Polytechnics	1	1	1
Colleges for Arts, Science & Commerce	44	48	54
Universities	1	1	1
Total Institutes	7356	7872	8386