The Indian labor market displayed robust health in November, with the overall Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) rising to a seven-month high, coupled with a notable decline in the unemployment rate.
According to the monthly Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) released by the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI) on Monday, the overall LFPR for persons aged 15 years and above increased to 55.8% in November 2025, marking the highest level recorded since April. This figure reflects a steady improvement in the share of the population actively working or seeking work.
Simultaneously, the overall Unemployment Rate (UR) for the same age group fell sharply to 4.7%, down from 5.2% in October, reaching its lowest level since the survey began its monthly reporting in April.
Key Drivers: Rural and Female Employment
The positive momentum was largely driven by stronger participation and employment gains in the country’s rural areas and a continued upward trend in female labor force metrics.
- Rural Thrust: The rural LFPR climbed to 58.6%, up from 57.8% in October, significantly outpacing the marginally dipping urban LFPR of 50.4%. Crucially, rural unemployment dropped to a new low of 3.9%.
- Rising Female Participation: Female labor force participation continued its upward trajectory, rising from 32.0% in June 2025 to 35.1% in November. The increase was most pronounced in the countryside, where the rural female Worker Population Ratio (WPR)—a key measure of employment—rose notably from 36.9% in October to 38.4% in November.
Employment and Workforce Indicators
The broader employment measure, the Worker Population Ratio (WPR) for persons aged 15 years and above, also improved, rising to 53.2% in November, up from 52.5% in the previous month.
The overall decline in joblessness was broad-based across segments:
- Male Unemployment eased to 4.6% (from 5.1% in October).
- Female Unemployment fell to 4.8% (from 5.4% in October).
The Ministry noted that the trends suggest “strengthening labour market conditions, supported by gains in rural employment, rising female participation, and a gradual recovery in urban labour demand.” While urban unemployment remains higher at 6.5%, it has eased from the previous month, contributing to the positive national outlook.
