PLFS August 2026: LFPR rises to 55.6%, unemployment rate steady at 5.0%
On 15 September 2026, MoSPI released the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) monthly bulletin for August 2026, showing the labour force participation rate (15+ years) up to 55.6% and the unemployment rate stable at 5.0%.
Summary
The PLFS August 2026 bulletin shows the overall LFPR rose from 55.4% in July to 55.6%, and the worker population ratio rose to 52.8%, the highest since March 2026. Female LFPR stood at 34.8%, 1.1 percentage points higher than in August 2025. Rural unemployment fell to 4.1%, the lowest since January 2026, while the overall unemployment rate held at 5.0%. The PLFS is conducted by the National Statistics Office (NSO), and its methodology was modified from January 2025 to give monthly and quarterly estimates.
Key facts
- LFPR (15+)
- 55.6% (July: 55.4%)
- WPR (15+)
- 52.8% — highest since March 2026
- Unemployment rate
- 5.0% overall; rural 4.1% (lowest since Jan 2026)
- Female LFPR
- 34.8% (+1.1 pp y-o-y)
- Static
- PLFS by NSO, MoSPI; monthly estimates since Jan 2025 methodology change
Practice MCQs 4 questions
What was India's overall unemployment rate (15+ years) in August 2026 as per the PLFS monthly bulletin?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 5.0%
The overall unemployment rate remained stable at 5.0%; 4.1% was the rural rate.
What was the overall Labour Force Participation Rate (15+ years) in August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 55.6%
Overall LFPR rose to 55.6%. 52.8% is the WPR, 58.2% the rural LFPR and 34.8% the female LFPR.
What was the female Labour Force Participation Rate (15+ years) in August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 34.8%
Female LFPR was 34.8%, up 1.1 percentage points from August 2025.
Consider the following about the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS): 1. It is conducted by the Reserve Bank of India. 2. Its methodology was modified from January 2025 to provide monthly and quarterly estimates. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only 2 is correct. PLFS is conducted by the National Statistics Office (NSO) under MoSPI.