New research of unemployment in India
Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh continue to perform well in providing access to higher education, but are increasingly facing challenges related to skill-training and graduate employment, according to the ‘State of Working India 2026’ report published by Azim Premji University’s Centre for Sustainable Employment. The report highlights a widening disconnect between educational enrolment and job creation. Nearly 40% of those aged 15 to 25 are unemployed, while the rate stands at about 20% for those aged 25 to 29. Among the 6.3 crore graduates aged between 20 and 29 years, 1.1 crore were unemployed in 2023. Graduate unemployment has remained at 35–40% for decades. Even among young male graduates who find work within a year, only a small proportion secure permanent salaried positions. India has 36.7 crore persons aged between 15 and 29 years, making up one-third of the working age populace. Of this, 26.3 crore persons are outside the education syste...