PLFS: unemployment rate rises to 5.6% in May 2025
On 16 June 2025 in New Delhi, MoSPI's Periodic Labour Force Survey monthly bulletin showed the unemployment rate rising to 5.6% in May 2025 from 5.1% in April.
Summary
The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) monthly bulletin for May 2025, released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation on 16 June 2025, showed the unemployment rate in Current Weekly Status (CWS) for persons aged 15 and above rising to 5.6% from 5.1% in April. The female unemployment rate was 5.8% against 5.6% for males. The Labour Force Participation Rate fell to 54.8% from 55.6%, and the Worker Population Ratio to 51.7% from 52.8%. In rural areas, the share of employment in agriculture fell from 45.9% to 43.5%, which MoSPI linked to the end of the rabi harvest and seasonal factors.
Key facts
- Unemployment rate (CWS, 15+)
- 5.6% in May 2025 (April: 5.1%)
- Female vs male UR
- 5.8% vs 5.6%
- LFPR
- 54.8% (April: 55.6%)
- WPR
- 51.7% (April: 52.8%)
- Rural agriculture share
- 45.9% → 43.5%
Practice MCQs 3 questions
According to the PLFS monthly bulletin released on 16 June 2025, what was the unemployment rate (CWS, age 15+) in May 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 5.6%
PIB (MoSPI): The Unemployment Rate in CWS among persons of age 15 years and above increased to 5.6% in May 2025 from 5.1% in April 2025.
What was the Labour Force Participation Rate (CWS, age 15+) in May 2025 as per the PLFS monthly bulletin?
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Correct answer: A — 54.8%
PIB (MoSPI): LFPR in CWS among persons of age 15 years and above was 54.8% during May 2025 as compared to 55.6% during April 2025.
Consider the following statements about the PLFS monthly bulletin for May 2025: 1. The female unemployment rate was higher than the male unemployment rate. 2. The overall Worker Population Ratio was 51.7%. 3. In rural areas, the share of employment in agriculture declined from April to May 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
PIB (MoSPI): Female UR was 5.8% against 5.6% for males, WPR was 51.7%, and rural agriculture's share fell from 45.9% to 43.5%. All are correct, so the answer is 1, 2 and 3.