Is India's Unemployment Rate Holding Steady in December?
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Synopsis
Discover the latest insights on India's unemployment trends. With a stable rate of 4.8% in December, the statistics reveal intriguing shifts in both urban and rural employment dynamics. Dive into the data and understand the implications for the labor market in India.
Key Takeaways
- Unemployment rate steady at 4.8%.
- Rural UR remains unchanged at 3.9%.
- Urban female UR decreased to 9.1%.
- Labour Force Participation Rate increased to 56.1%.
- Rural female participation rose to 40.1%.
New Delhi, Jan 15 (NationPress) The unemployment rate (UR) in India for individuals aged 15 years and older has shown remarkable stability in December, estimated at 4.8 percent, slightly up from 4.7 percent in November, as per the latest announcement from the Ministry of Statistics on Thursday.
The rural unemployment rate remained unchanged at 3.9 percent, while the urban rate was recorded at 6.7 percent. For rural males aged 15 years and above, the unemployment rate continued to be low and steady at 4.1 percent in December 2025.
Additionally, the urban female unemployment rate improved to 9.1 percent last month, down from 9.3 percent in November 2025.
The overall Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) for individuals aged 15 and above saw an increase, reaching 56.1 percent in December, compared to 55.8 percent in November.
In rural areas, the LFPR was estimated at 59.0 percent in December 2025, up from 58.6 percent in the prior month. Conversely, the urban LFPR experienced a slight decrease to 50.2 percent from 50.4 percent during this period.
The participation of females aged 15 years and above in the workforce also saw an upward trend, increasing to 35.3 percent from 35.1 percent in November 2025.
In rural regions, this figure rose to 40.1 percent in December 2025, up from 39.7 percent the previous month, while urban female participation dipped slightly to 25.3 percent from 25.5 percent in November 2025.
Moreover, the Worker Population Ratio (WPR) for individuals aged 15 and above demonstrated gradual improvement in December 2025.
Among rural males, the WPR increased to 76.0 percent in December 2025 from 75.4 percent in November 2025, while urban male WPR saw a reduction from 70.9 percent in November 2025 to 70.4 percent in December 2025, leading to an overall male WPR of 74.1 percent, according to the statement.
Point of View
It is crucial to consistently assess the labor market's performance. The stability in the unemployment rate reflects ongoing economic challenges. While some sectors show improvement, others remain stagnant, indicating a complex landscape that requires careful monitoring.
NationPress
16/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was India's unemployment rate in December?
India's unemployment rate in December was estimated at 4.8%.
How did the rural and urban unemployment rates compare?
The rural unemployment rate remained at 3.9%, while the urban rate was 6.7%.
What is the Labour Force Participation Rate?
The Labour Force Participation Rate in December was 56.1%, showing an increase from 55.8% in November.
What trends were observed in female workforce participation?
Female workforce participation rose to 35.3%, with rural areas seeing an increase to 40.1%.
How did the Worker Population Ratio change?
The Worker Population Ratio for rural males increased to 76.0%, while urban males saw a slight decline.
