Unemployment Rate Drops to 7-Month Low of 4.7% in November 2025

The unemployment rate in India fell to a seven-month low of 4.7% in November 2025, according to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. This is the lowest level since April 2025, compared to 5.2% in October 2025.

The ministry reported that the rural unemployment rate dropped to a new low of 3.9% in November 2025, while the urban unemployment rate fell to 6.5%, matching its previous minimum level recorded in April 2025, when it was 5.1%.

The trends indicate strengthening labor market conditions, supported by increased rural employment, a rise in female participation, and gradual improvements in urban labor demand.

In November 2025, there was a significant decline in the unemployment rate for both men and women aged 15 years and above. The unemployment rate for women dropped to 4.8%, down from 5.4% in October 2025.

This decline was driven by a reduction in both rural and urban female unemployment rates. In rural areas, it fell from 4.0% to 3.4%, and in urban areas, it dropped from 9.7% to 9.3%.

Additionally, the overall male unemployment rate decreased to 4.6% in November 2025, compared to 5.1% in October 2025. Region-wise data shows that in November 2025, rural and urban male unemployment rates were 4.1% and 5.6%, respectively, compared to 4.6% and 6.1% in the previous month.

The statement further noted that the unemployment rate showed a steady and broad-based decline for men, women, and the overall population from April to November 2025.

The statement also indicated an improvement in the labor force participation rate (LFPR) for people aged 15 years and above. In rural areas, the LFPR increased from 55.4% in April 2025 to 56.3% in November 2025, while the overall LFPR rose from 52.8% to 53.2% during the same period.