Archive · 27 Jul 2026
Youth unemployment remains high in India
India has a lot of young people, which could be a good thing for the country's future.
But right now, many young people, especially those with degrees, are having a hard time finding jobs.
The unemployment rate for young people between 15 and 29 years old is much higher than the overall unemployment rate.
Even though many young people are trying to find jobs by applying to employers and registering with employment centers, there are not enough jobs to go around.
The government needs to make some changes to help these young people find good jobs.
India's youth unemployment rate for ages 15-29 is 16.2%, higher than the overall unemployment rate of 5.5%.
Youth unemployment has been declining slightly, from 10.3% in 2024 to 9.9% in 2025.
People with secondary education and above have the highest unemployment rates, at 6.5% in 2025.
Nearly 40% of graduates aged 15-29 are unemployed, with 11 million graduates aged 20-29 unemployed as of 2023.
Despite efforts to find jobs, such as applying to employers and registering with employment centers, there is a lack of adequate job opportunities.
- Who
- Youth aged 15-29 years, particularly those with higher education
- What
- High youth unemployment rates and inadequate job opportunities
- When
- June 2026
- Where
- India
- Why
- Despite a large youth population and potential demographic dividend, policy interventions are needed to address the high unemployment rates and provide well-paying jobs.
Government and Policy Makers
Youth and Educated Unemployed
Policy Intervention
Government and Policy Makers
The government needs to implement urgent policy interventions to address the high youth unemployment rates and leverage the demographic dividend.
Youth and Educated Unemployed
Youth and educated unemployed individuals are struggling to find well-paying jobs despite their qualifications and efforts.
- Youth Unemployment Rate (15-29 years)
- 16.2% (June 2026)
- Overall Unemployment Rate
- 5.5% (June 2026)
- Youth Unemployment Rate (2025)
- 9.9%
- Youth Unemployment Rate (2024)
- 10.3%
- Unemployment Rate for Secondary and Above Education (2025)
- 6.5%
- Unemployment Rate for Non-Literate (2025)
- 0.3%
- Graduate Unemployment Rate (15-29 years)
- 40%
- Number of Unemployed Graduates (20-29 years)
- 11 million