Urban youth unemployment rises to 19% in September 2026, and 26.6% among young women
27 October 2026 · 2 min read · HireHo
Based on the MoSPI Periodic Labour Force Survey monthly bulletin for September 2026 (published 15 October 2026). Summarised in our own words.
The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) is the government's monthly survey of work and unemployment. The September 2026 bulletin, based on 3,70,513 people, shows the overall unemployment rate for people aged 15 and above at 5.0%, the same as August and lower than 5.2% in September 2025.
Young people in cities have it hardest
- Urban youth (15-29): 19.0%, up from 18.7% in August and 17.5% in May
- Young urban women: 26.6%, up from 26.4%
- Young urban men: 16.4%
- National youth: 15.2%
- Rural youth: 13.2%
A few better signs
The share of urban women aged 15 and above who are working or looking for work was 25.9%, the highest since October 2025. The urban worker population ratio rose to 47.2%, also the highest since October 2025. Even so, unemployment among urban women aged 15 and above went up to 9.2%.
What this means for you
- Competition for city jobs is tougher for people under 30, so a skill certificate or a work sample can help you stand out.
- Women looking for work in cities are rising in number. Jobs with flexible hours or near home may fill fast.
- Rural youth unemployment is lower, but rural jobs are often low-paid or seasonal.
These are monthly survey estimates and can be revised.