PLFS: labour force participation rate at 55.9% in January 2026
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation reported on 16 February 2026 that the labour force participation rate (LFPR) for persons aged 15 and above was 55.9% in January 2026, against 56.1% in December 2025.
Summary
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation reported on 16 February 2026, from the monthly Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), that the labour force participation rate (LFPR) for persons aged 15 and above was 55.9% in January 2026, against 56.1% in December 2025. Female LFPR was 35.1%. The worker population ratio (WPR) dipped marginally to 53.1% after rising since June 2025; MoSPI attributed slight declines to the winter slowdown and post-harvest slack. The PLFS methodology was modified from January 2025 to provide monthly estimates.
Key facts
- Released
- 16 February 2026, MoSPI
- LFPR (15+), January 2026
- 55.9% (56.1% in December 2025)
- Female LFPR (15+)
- 35.1%
- WPR (15+)
- 53.1%
- Survey
- Periodic Labour Force Survey (monthly since January 2025)
Practice MCQs 1 questions
As per the monthly PLFS released on 16 February 2026, what was the labour force participation rate for persons aged 15 and above in January 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 55.9%
LFPR (15+) was 55.9% in January 2026, against 56.1% in December 2025. 35.1% was female LFPR and 53.1% the WPR.