India's Unemployment Rate Steady, Youth Joblessness Rises

India's unemployment rate for individuals aged 15 and above remained steady at 5.6% in June 2025, as reported by the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey. Rural unemployment declined to 4.9%, while urban unemployment rose to 7.1%, highlighting regional disparities. Nationwide youth unemployment (15-29 years) increased to 15.3%, with urban youth joblessness at 18.8% and rural youth at 13.8%. The Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) dipped slightly to 54.2%, attributed to seasonal factors like agricultural cycles and extreme summer heat, which led some rural, especially female, workers to shift to domestic duties. An increase in own-account work and self-employment among rural populations helped offset some joblessness but also pointed to evolving employment patterns. These developments underscore persistent challenges in India's labor market, particularly for young and urban job seekers.