NewKerala.com

India's Unemployment Rate Holds Steady at 4.8% in December

India's unemployment rate for those aged 15 and above remained largely stable in December 2025, estimated at 4.8%. The rural unemployment rate was stagnant at a lower 3.9%, while the urban rate stood at a higher 6.7%. The overall Labour Force Participation Rate showed an upward trend, rising to 56.1%. The Worker Population Ratio also showed a gradual improvement for the same age group.

Key Points: India's Unemployment Rate Stable at 4.8% in Dec 2025

  • Overall unemployment stable at 4.8%
  • Rural joblessness stagnant at 3.9%
  • Urban unemployment rate at 6.7%
  • Labour force participation rate rises to 56.1%
2 min read

India's unemployment rate remains largely stable in December

India's unemployment rate remained stable at 4.8% in December 2025, with rural areas at 3.9% and urban at 6.7%. Labour force participation improved.

"India's unemployment rate for persons aged 15 years and above remained largely stable in December, estimated at 4.8 per cent - Ministry of Statistics"

New Delhi, Jan 15

India's unemployment rate for persons aged 15 years and above remained largely stable in December, estimated at 4.8 per cent compared to 4.7 per cent observed in November, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Statistics on Thursday.

The rural UR remained stagnant at 3.9 per cent, while the urban UR stood at 6.7 per cent. Among rural males aged 15 years and above, the UR remained low and stable at 4.1 per cent in December 2025.

Further, the urban female UR moderated to 9.1 per cent last month, compared to 9.3 per cent in November 2025.

The overall Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) among persons aged 15 years and above showed an upward trend at 56.1 per cent in December, compared to 55.8 per cent in November.

According to the official statement, in rural areas, the LFPR was estimated at 59.0 per cent in December 2025, in comparison to 58.6 per cent in November 2025. The urban LFPR experienced a slight dip to 50.2 per cent from 50.4 per cent during this period.

Overall labour force participation for females aged 15 years and above edged up to 35.3 per cent from 35.1 per cent in November 2025.

In rural areas, it witnessed an increase to 40.1 per cent during December 2025 -- from 39.7 per cent in the previous month and in urban areas, it slipped slightly to 25.3 per cent in December from 25.5 per cent in November 2025.

Moreover, the Worker Population Ratio (WPR) in the age group 15 years and above showed a gradual improvement in December 2025.

Among rural males, WPR edged up to 76.0 per cent in December 2025 from 75.4 per cent in November 2025, while urban male WPR observed a decline from 70.9 per cent in November 2025 to 70.4 per cent in December 2025, pushing overall male WPR to 74.1 per cent, according to the statement.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The increase in female labour force participation, especially in rural areas to 40.1%, is the most positive news here! 👏 More women joining the workforce is crucial for the economy and for social progress. Hope this trend continues and urban female UR keeps moderating.
R
Rohit P
Rural India seems to be holding steady, which is a relief. Farming and MGNREGA must be providing that cushion. But the real story is the urban male WPR decline. Are the corporate layoffs we keep hearing about starting to show in these numbers? Need to watch the next few months closely.
P
Priyanka N
With all respect to the statisticians, do these numbers capture the underemployment? So many graduates are driving cabs or doing data entry jobs well below their qualification. The quality of employment matters as much as the rate. The urban-rural divide in opportunities is still stark.
M
Michael C
An overall LFPR of 56.1% means a huge section of the working-age population is still not even looking for work or is in education. We have a demographic dividend, but are we utilizing it fully? The gradual improvements are positive, but the pace needs to pick up.
K
Kavya N
Good to see stability in these uncertain global times. The Indian economy is showing resilience. The focus should now be on skilling the youth for the jobs of tomorrow, especially in tech and green energy. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50