PLFS October 2025: unemployment steady at 5.2%, LFPR at 6-month high of 55.4%
The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) monthly bulletin for October 2025, released by MoSPI on 17 November 2025, put the unemployment rate for persons aged 15 and above at 5.2%, unchanged from September.
Summary
The October 2025 PLFS bulletin showed the labour force participation rate (LFPR) for persons aged 15 and above at a six-month high of 55.4% and the worker population ratio (WPR) at 52.5%, which has risen steadily since June 2025. Female labour force participation and female WPR have increased for four months in a row. The PLFS, conducted by the National Statistics Office, switched to a revised methodology from January 2025 to give monthly and quarterly estimates using the Current Weekly Status approach.
Key facts
- Unemployment rate (15+)
- 5.2% (same as Sept)
- LFPR (15+)
- 55.4% — 6-month high
- WPR (15+)
- 52.5%
- Female LFPR/WPR
- Rising for 4 straight months
- Approach
- Current Weekly Status; monthly since Jan 2025 revamp
Practice MCQs 2 questions
What was the unemployment rate for persons aged 15 years and above in October 2025, as per the PLFS monthly bulletin?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 5.2%
The unemployment rate stayed at 5.2% in October 2025, the same as in September 2025.
The labour force participation rate (persons aged 15+) in October 2025, a six-month high, was:
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Correct answer: B — 55.4%
LFPR reached a six-month high of 55.4%. 52.5% was the worker population ratio.