The Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation announced on 15 October 2026 the results of the Periodic Labour Force Survey for September 2026. The data shows that the urban Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) rose to 50.7%, and urban female LFPR reached its highest level since October 2025 at 25.9%. The overall unemployment rate for people aged 15 and above remained stable at 5.0%, reflecting a slight year-on-year decline. These estimates are based on a survey of 3,70,513 persons across India.
Key points
- Overall Unemployment Rate: Stable at 5.0% in September 2026
- Urban Female LFPR: Increased to 25.9%, the highest since October 2025
- Rural Female UR: Reached its lowest 2026 level at 3.9%
- Overall LFPR: Stood at 55.5% for persons aged 15+ years
- Urban WPR: Reached its highest level since October 2025 at 47.2%
When it applies
The document does not state when it takes effect.
Who it affects
- persons aged 15 years and above