PLFS July–September 2025: unemployment falls to 5.2%, female participation rises
The unemployment rate for persons aged 15 and above fell to 5.2% in July–September 2025 from 5.4% in the previous quarter, according to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) quarterly bulletin released by MoSPI on 10 November 2025.
Summary
The PLFS bulletin showed the overall Labour Force Participation Rate edging up to 55.1% from 55.0%, female LFPR rising to 33.7% from 33.4%, and the Worker Population Ratio rising to 52.2% from 52.0%. The share of rural workers in agriculture rose from 53.5% to 57.7% because of kharif operations, while regular wage or salaried employees in urban areas rose to 49.8%. The PLFS, run by the NSO, was revamped from January 2025 to give monthly and quarterly estimates for both rural and urban India under the Current Weekly Status (CWS) approach.
Key facts
- Unemployment rate (15+)
- 5.2% (from 5.4%)
- LFPR
- 55.1%
- Female LFPR
- 33.7% (from 33.4%)
- WPR
- 52.2%
- Rural workers in agriculture
- 57.7%
- Survey revamp
- From January 2025 (CWS, monthly/quarterly)
Practice MCQs 3 questions
What was the unemployment rate for persons aged 15 years and above in July–September 2025, as per the PLFS quarterly bulletin?
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Correct answer: A — 5.2%
The unemployment rate fell to 5.2% in July–September 2025 from 5.4% in April–June.
What was the female Labour Force Participation Rate (15 years and above) in July–September 2025, as per PLFS?
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Correct answer: D — 33.7%
Female LFPR rose to 33.7% in July–September 2025 from 33.4% in April–June 2025.
Consider the following statements about the PLFS: 1. Its sampling methodology was revamped from January 2025 to give monthly and quarterly estimates for rural and urban India. 2. The overall LFPR fell to 54.1% in July–September 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
The PLFS was revamped from January 2025 under the CWS framework. The overall LFPR rose slightly to 55.1%, not fell to 54.1%.