Has India's unemployment rate reached a 7-month low of 4.7% in November?
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Synopsis
India's unemployment rate has reached its lowest point in seven months, dropping to 4.7% in November. This positive trend reflects a strengthening labor market, especially in rural areas and among women. Learn more about the latest statistics and what they mean for the economy.
Key Takeaways
- Unemployment rate at 4.7% in November 2025.
- Lowest rate since April 2025.
- Labour Force Participation Rate rose to 55.8%.
- Rural female LFPR increased to 39.7%.
- Worker Population Ratio improved to 53.2%.
New Delhi, Dec 15 (NationPress) The unemployment rate (UR) for individuals aged 15 years and older in India has dropped to 4.7% in November, down from 5.2% in the preceding month, marking the lowest unemployment level since April 2025, as reported by the Ministry of Statistics on Monday.
The overall Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) for those aged 15 and above climbed to a seven-month peak of 55.8% in November, reflecting the nation’s economic employment levels, according to the official announcement.
In rural areas, the female LFPR continued its steady ascent, rising from 35.2% in June 2025 to 39.7% in November 2025. In contrast, urban female LFPR remained relatively stable at roughly 25.5%, as per ministry data.
The overall Worker Population Ratio (WPR) for individuals aged 15 and above, another vital employment indicator, improved to 53.2% in November, up from 52.5% in October.
Additionally, the rural female WPR saw a significant increase from 36.9% in October 2025 to 38.4% in November 2025, which contributed to a rise in the overall female WPR from 32.4% to 33.4% during the same timeframe.
Overall, these trends indicate a strengthening of labor market conditions, bolstered by improvements in rural employment, increased female participation, and a gradual recovery in urban labor demand, as noted in the statement.
The UR in India for those aged 15 and above had decreased to 5.2% during the July-September quarter from 5.4% in the earlier April-June quarter.
Moreover, the share of rural employment in the agriculture sector rose from 53.5% to 57.7% during the July-September period, driven by Kharif agricultural activities. The proportion of workers engaged in the urban tertiary sector also grew to 62% during July-September, up from 61.7% in the preceding quarter, reflecting a heightened level of employment.
The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), conducted by the NSO under the Ministry of Statistics, serves as the primary source of data regarding activity participation and the employment and unemployment conditions of the population. The PLFS methodology has been updated as of January 2025 to offer monthly and quarterly estimates of labor force indicators for the country.
Point of View
It's vital to recognize the implications of the latest unemployment figures. The decline to 4.7% signals a shift towards improved economic conditions, particularly among rural populations and women. It's essential to monitor these trends closely as they may influence policy decisions and economic strategies moving forward.
NationPress
17/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current unemployment rate in India?
As of November, India's unemployment rate is at 4.7%, the lowest in seven months.
How did the unemployment rate change from the previous month?
The unemployment rate decreased from 5.2% in October to 4.7% in November.
What is the Labour Force Participation Rate in November?
The Labour Force Participation Rate for November is 55.8%, the highest in seven months.
What trends are seen in rural female employment?
Rural female LFPR rose to 39.7% in November, indicating an upward trend in female employment.
How does this data relate to the agricultural sector?
The share of rural employment in agriculture increased from 53.5% to 57.7% during July-September due to Kharif operations.
