India Unemployment Rate Rises, Agriculture Share Falls

India's unemployment rate rose to 5.6% in May 2025 from 5.1% in April, largely due to a decline in farm-related employment after the Rabi harvest season. The share of workers in agriculture fell to 43.5%, driving a shift toward manufacturing and services. Female unemployment edged higher than males at 5.8% versus 5.6%, and female labor force participation remained notably lower, particularly in rural areas. Unemployment among youth aged 15–29 increased further, underscoring persistent difficulties for new job seekers. The labor force participation rate declined overall to 54.8%, with decreases in both rural and urban regions. These developments reflect ongoing structural changes in India's job market and highlight the need for broader employment opportunities beyond agriculture.