Youth Unemployment Rate in India decreased to 22.90 percent in the first quarter of 2021 from 24.90 percent in the fourth quarter of 2020. This dataset provides - India Youth Unemployment Rate- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

As per the Periodic Labour Force Survey of 2024, the unemployment rate among individuals with secondary education and above was 7.1 percent, the highest among other levels of education. Although the unemployment rate within this category fell from the previous financial year. Potential of the education sectorIndia's education sector is estimated to be valued at around 117 billion U.S. dollars, and it is expected to grow to 225 billion U.S. dollars by 2025. It is a growing trend for many young Indians to attain two or three degrees in the hope of attaining a job. One of the largest young populations in the world presents a unique opportunity for the country in the education sector. Educated unemployed Youth unemployment in India was over 15 percent in 2023. This is despite the abundance of highly educated professionals. The data suggests a sharp mismatch between the skills of the labor force and job creation. The lack of jobs in the non-farm sector for the newly graduated young population is a major cause of worry for the Indian economy.

Unemployment, youth male (% of male labor force ages 15-24) (national estimate) in India was reported at 15.43 % in 2023, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. India - Unemployment, youth male (% of male labor force ages 15-24) (national estimate) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on July of 2025.

The share of employable women in India in 2025 saw a decrease from the previous year. Men accounted for about ** percent of employability that year. In fact, a larger share of women than men have constituted India’s employable talent since 2020 until a drop in 2025. Employability refers to a person's ability to gain and maintain employment. India’s professional talent pool Indian corporations and employers found a rich supply of highly employable graduates in states such as Maharashtra and Delhi. The demand for professionals with a year or more of working experience outweighed that of graduates without experience, thus, driving up the preference for internships. Some of the most employable candidates in 2024 were graduates with degrees in engineering, business administration and computer applications. Employability does not translate to employment However, higher employability did not translate to employment as was indicated by the country’s youth unemployment rate. Gender gap in participation at work has also persisted over the years. In addition to skill training, more jobs need to be created to absorb the growing unemployed and underemployed youth.

Unemployment, youth total (% of total labor force ages 15-24) (modeled ILO estimate) in India was reported at 16.03 % in 2024, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. India - Unemployment, youth total (% of total labor force ages 15-24) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on August of 2025.

As of March 2025, South Africa had the highest unemployment rate among the 19* countries that are members of the G20. The unemployment rate in South Africa stood at **** percent that year. The country has recently been plagued by an economic downturn, including energy shortages and high unemployment levels. On the other hand, Japan had the lowest unemployment rate at just *** percent. Economic inequality in South Africa Not only does South Africa top the G20 in overall unemployment, but it also has a significant level of youth unemployment, as nearly half of the young population is unemployed. Thirty years after the end of Apartheid, South Africa is also still one of the most unequal countries in the world, with a Gini score of ****. The prominence of inequality in the country makes escaping unemployment and underemployment difficult. Japanese economic slowdown While Japan had the lowest unemployment rate out of all G20 nations, as well as the lowest youth unemployment rate out of the G20 nations, Japan’s economy is still facing many challenges. With an aging population, the total Japanese population is facing a rapid decline, meaning that it will struggle to have enough workers participating in the labor market. Despite this, Japan maintains strict immigration policies, limiting the chances for foreign workers to move to Japan. Moreover, Japan has the second lowest fertility rate out of the G7 nations and one of the lowest fertility rates globally, adding another challenge in addressing population shrinkage.

india - Youth Unemployment Rate for India was 16.03% in January of 2024, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, india - Youth Unemployment Rate for India reached a record high of 20.82 in January of 2021 and a record low of 15.66 in January of 2023. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for india - Youth Unemployment Rate for India - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on July of 2025.

In 2025, the Masters of Business Administration domain had the highest employability rating among degree types in India at about ** percent, an increase from the previous year. The polytechnic domain had the lowest employability rate of around ** percent. What is employability? Employability refers to attributes that make an individual gain and maintain employment. This may include job-specific or soft skills. Higher employability is considered a precondition for achieving a higher employment rate. Although employability in India has increased to over ** percent from ** percent over a decade ago, there has remained a critical skill mismatch between education and skills. In other words, Indian graduates have been facing a disconnect between what is taught at colleges and what the industry demands. Enhancing employability through skill development Government initiatives like the National Skill Development Corporation and Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana aim to promote skill development in India. Public-private partnerships (PPP) have also been instrumental in making skill development initiatives effective in India. For example, TCS has partnered with educational institutions to provide vocational training in digital literacy and soft skills. Other industry giants like Samsung and IBM are planning to launch special training programs in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in collaboration with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).

In 2025, employability among Indian engineering graduates was about ** percent, an increase from the around ** percent in 2024. The overall employability of the youth in the country was about ** percent in 2025.

Vocational Examination Training Institutions Market Outlook

The global market size for vocational examination training institutions was estimated at USD 25 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 45 billion by 2032, demonstrating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5%. A myriad of factors such as the increasing demand for skilled labor, the evolving nature of industries, and the rising importance of lifelong learning are driving substantial growth in this sector. Governments and private entities alike are recognizing the necessity of vocational training to bridge the skills gap, thereby fueling market expansion.

One of the primary growth factors for vocational examination training institutions is the rapid technological advancements across various industries. As the Fourth Industrial Revolution continues to unfold, there is an ever-growing need for skilled professionals who can operate and maintain advanced machinery and software systems. This technological evolution necessitates continuous upskilling and reskilling, thereby driving the demand for vocational training institutions. Additionally, the booming digital economy has created a plethora of job opportunities that require specific technical skills, further bolstering the need for specialized training programs.

Another significant growth driver is the increasing emphasis on employability and job readiness. Traditional academic education often fails to equip students with practical skills that are directly applicable in the workforce. Vocational training institutions fill this gap by offering courses and certifications that are closely aligned with industry requirements. Employers are increasingly valuing these vocational qualifications as they provide assurance of job-specific competencies. This trend is particularly evident in sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and IT, where specific skills and certifications are paramount.

Government initiatives and policy frameworks also play a crucial role in propelling the vocational training market. Many countries have recognized the critical importance of vocational education in driving economic growth and reducing unemployment rates. As a result, numerous governments have launched programs and funding schemes aimed at promoting vocational training. For instance, the European Union's "Youth Guarantee" and India’s "Skill India" initiatives are pivotal in increasing enrollment in vocational training programs. Such governmental support is instrumental in sustaining the growth momentum in this market.

On a regional scale, the Asia-Pacific region is emerging as a significant player in the vocational training market. Countries like China, India, and Japan are investing heavily in vocational education to meet the demands of their rapidly growing economies. In North America, the focus remains on continuous professional development and lifelong learning, driven by technological advancements and the need for a highly skilled workforce. Europe, with its robust policy frameworks, continues to see steady growth, while Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are gradually catching up, driven by economic diversification efforts and a growing recognition of the importance of vocational training.

Training Type Analysis

Technical training is a cornerstone of vocational examination training institutions, addressing the growing need for specialized skills in industries such as manufacturing, IT, and healthcare. These programs are designed to provide hands-on experience and practical knowledge essential for specific job roles. With the increasing complexity of technology and machinery, the demand for technical training has surged. Institutions offering such training are continually updating their curricula to include the latest technological advancements, ensuring that learners are well-prepared for the evolving job market. This constant need for up-to-date technical training propels the segment's growth.

Skill development programs focus on enhancing a wide range of abilities, from soft skills like communication and leadership to hard skills such as coding and data analysis. These programs cater to individuals at various stages of their careers, from students to seasoned professionals looking for career progression. The versatility and applicability of skill development courses make them highly popular. As the gig economy expands and the nature of work becomes more flexible, the ability to quickly acquire new skills becomes invaluable. This trend significantly boosts the demand for skill development training within vocational examinati

Several of the countries with the highest youth unemployment rates worldwide in 2023 are located in Africa. Djibouti had the highest rate at 76 percent, followed by Eswatini and Libya.

The youth unemployment rate in China was 15.23 percent in 2024. Between 1991 and 2024, the youth unemployment rate rose by 10.86 percentage points, though the increase followed an uneven trajectory rather than a consistent upward trend.

In 2025, employability among Indian business administration graduates was about ** percent, an increase from ** percent in 2021. The overall employability of the youth in the country was about ** percent in 2025.

In the second quarter of 2024, the unemployment rate among Black South Africans was 36.9 percent, marking a year-on-year change of 0.8 percent compared to the second quarter of 2023. On the other hand, the unemployment rate among white South Africans was 7.9 percent in the second quarter of 2024, with a 0.5 percent year-on-year change. Unemployment prevalent among youth and women The unemployment rate is the share of the labor force population that is unemployed, while the labor force includes individuals who are employed as well as those who are unemployed but looking for work. South Africa is struggling to absorb its youth into the job market. For instance, the unemployment rate among young South Africans aged 15-24 years reached a staggering 60.7 percent in the second quarter of 2023. Furthermore, women had higher unemployment rates than men. Since the start of 2016, the unemployment rate of women has been consistently more than that of men, reaching close to 36 percent compared to 30 percent, respectively. A new minimum wage and most paying jobs      In South Africa, a new minimum hourly wage went into effect on March 1, 2022. The minimum salary reached 23.19 South African rand per hour (1.44 U.S. dollars per hour), up from 21.69 South African rand per hour (1.35 U.S. dollars per hour) in 2021. In addition, the preponderance of employed South Africans worked between 40 and 45 hours weekly in 2021. Individuals holding Executive Management and Change Management jobs were the highest paid in the country, with salaries averaging 74,000 U.S. dollars per year.

The median age in India was 27 years old in 2020, meaning half the population was older than that, half younger. This figure was lowest in 1970, at 18.1 years, and was projected to increase to 47.8 years old by 2100. Aging in India India has the second largest population in the world, after China. Because of the significant population growth of the past years, the age distribution remains skewed in favor of the younger age bracket. This tells a story of rapid population growth, but also of a lower life expectancy. Economic effects of a young population Many young people means that the Indian economy must support a large number of students, who demand education from the economy but cannot yet work. Educating the future workforce will be important, because the economy is growing as well and is one of the largest in the world. Failing to do this could lead to high youth unemployment and political consequences. However, a productive and young workforce could provide huge economic returns for India.