India Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
India's youth unemployment was 16.02% in 2025, ranked 113th globally. This represents a 1.8% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
India's youth unemployment stood at 16.02% in 2025, a rise of +0.28pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 13.71% by 2026. India ranked 113th globally.
India's youth unemployment rate has displayed a mixed trend over the past three and a half decades, with a significant peak in 2018 at 26.00% and a recent trough in 2023 at 15.60%. This stark contrast underscores the country's ongoing labor market challenges. As of 2025, the youth unemployment rate stands at 16.02%, ranking India 113 globally. A comparison with peer countries reveals that China, currently ranked lower at 15.79%, has made notable strides in reducing youth unemployment. The recent decline in India's youth unemployment rate, particularly from its peak in 2018, suggests a positive turning point in the labor market. However, the persistence of a relatively high unemployment rate among the youth, especially when compared to the European Union's rate of 16.20% in 2025, highlights the need for continued policy efforts to address this issue. As India's economy continues to evolve, sustained investments in education and vocational training could help alter the trajectory of youth unemployment.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 11.39% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 12.55% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 13.71% | - | - |
| 2025 | 16.02% | +0.28pp | #113 |
| 2024 | 15.75% | +0.15pp | #113 |
| 2023 | 15.60% | −2.14pp | #112 |
| 2022 | 17.73% | −3.09pp | #118 |
| 2021 | 20.82% | −3.84pp | #126 |
| 2020 | 24.67% | +1.72pp | #134 |
| 2019 | 22.95% | −3.06pp | #139 |
| 2018 | 26.00% | +0.41pp | #146 |
| 2017 | 25.59% | +0.36pp | #146 |
| 2016 | 25.23% | +0.27pp | #143 |
| 2015 | 24.96% | +0.25pp | #139 |
| 2014 | 24.71% | +0.24pp | #138 |
| 2013 | 24.47% | +0.34pp | #136 |
| 2012 | 24.14% | +0.49pp | #135 |
| 2011 | 23.64% | +0.34pp | #139 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
India matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2010. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
India's youth unemployment was 16.02% in 2025. Ranked 113th globally. This represents a 1.8% increase from the previous year.
India's youth unemployment peaked at 26.00% in 2018.
The lowest youth unemployment in India was 15.60% in 2023.
India ranks 113th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
India's youth unemployment is projected to reach 13.71% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of India in 2025 was 16.02%. This ranks 113th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_india_youth-unemployment,
title = {India Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/india/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}