BackECONOMY
Youth Unemployment Rises In Early 2026, Young Women Affected Most
India's youth unemployment rose through January–March 2026, with overall rates climbing to 15.2% by March. The burden fell more heavily on young women, whose unemployment stayed above 16% and peaked near 17.8% in January 2026, while male participation remained comparatively steady. Labour-force participation among women remained low, resulting in a widening gender gap in the youth job market.
Why It Matters
The trend signals persistent pressure in the youth job market, especially for young women, amid notably low female labour force participation. This could have long-term implications for economic participation and gender equality.
Timeline
19 Events
March 2026 — Male labour force participation rate 60.9%
March 2026
Male LFPR is 60.9% in March 2026.
March 2026 — Male unemployment 14.3%
March 2026
Male unemployment among 15-29-year-olds is 14.3% in March 2026.
March 2026 — Female labour force participation rate 22.3%
March 2026
Female LFPR is 22.3% in March 2026.
March 2026 — Female unemployment 17.7%
March 2026
Female unemployment among 15-29-year-olds is 17.7% in March 2026.
March 2026 — Overall unemployment 15.2%
March 2026
Unemployment among 15-29-year-olds rises to 15.2% in March 2026.
February 2026 — Female unemployment 17.6%
February 2026
Female unemployment among 15-29-year-olds is 17.6% in February 2026.
February 2026 — Overall unemployment 14.8%
February 2026
Unemployment among 15-29-year-olds is 14.8% in February 2026.
January 2026 — Female labour force participation rate 23.2%
January 2026
Female LFPR is 23.2% in January 2026.
January 2026 — Female unemployment 17.8%
January 2026
Female unemployment among 15-29-year-olds is 17.8% in January 2026.
January 2026 — Overall unemployment 14.7%
January 2026
Unemployment among 15-29-year-olds is 14.7% in January 2026.
December 2025 — Male labour force participation rate 61.5%
December 2025
Male LFPR remains at 61.5% in December 2025.
December 2025 — Female labour force participation rate 22.5%
December 2025
Female labour force participation rate (LFPR) stands at 22.5% in December 2025.
December 2025 — Female youth unemployment 16.3%
December 2025
Female unemployment among 15-29-year-olds is 16.3% in December 2025.
December 2025 — Male youth unemployment 13.7%
December 2025
Male unemployment among 15-29-year-olds is 13.7% in December 2025.
December 2025 — Overall youth unemployment 14.4%
December 2025
Unemployment for the 15-29 age group stands at 14.4% in December 2025.
November 2025 — Unemployment moderation observed
November 2025
The article notes that unemployment moderated through November 2025 before the late-year uptick.
June 2025 — Overall youth unemployment rises to 15.3%
June 2025
Unemployment among 15-29-year-olds climbs to 15.3% in June 2025, the highest level recorded in the period.
April 2025 — Male youth unemployment 13.6%
April 2025
Among males aged 15-29, unemployment was 13.6% in April 2025.
April 2025 — Overall youth unemployment 13.8%
April 2025
Unemployment among India’s youth aged 15-29 stood at 13.8% in April 2025.