{"id":"f-e550251d2f-4f875e32-4a1e-5733-908d-52dfad89b03c","title":"India’s unemployment rate rises to 5% in January 2026","description":"India’s unemployment rate rose to 5% in January 2026, with overall labour force participation rate (LFPR) at 55.9% and worker population ratio (WPR) at 53.1%. Urban and rural workforce participation remained largely stable as did female LFPR, month-on-month.","timestamp":1771262958,"category":"national_v_two","headline":"India’s unemployment rate rises to 5% in January 2026","modifiedHeadline":"India’s unemployment rate rises to 5% in Jan 2026","subCategories":["scid_2c0dc4ac"],"region":"IN","bundleMetaData":{"bundleId":"7b48871c-c993-4956-b43d-6f46f8e1b036","bundleTitle":"Today In India","cardData":null},"iabCategoryId":"89","fcSummary":"india’s unemployment rate edged up to 5% in january 2026, a slight increase from december's 4.8%, according to government data. the labour force participation rate dipped marginally, and the worker population ratio also saw a minor decrease, potentially due to seasonal factors like winter slowdowns and post-harvest periods in rural areas.","summary":"India's unemployment edged up to 5% in January 2026, data reveals. LFPR dipped slightly to 55.9%, signaling a marginal labor market slowdown.","ctaUrl":"https://trends.glance.com/newz/Economy/IN/en/cnbc-tv18/f-e550251d2f-4f875e32-4a1e-5733-908d-52dfad89b03c","sourceUrl":"https://www.cnbctv18.com/economy/india-unemployment-rate-rises-to-5-pc-in-january-2026-jobs-news-ws-el-19851263.htm","bannerImage":"https://g-mob.glance-cdn.com/public/fc/image/XrSM_OLzDSj0.webp","content":"

India’s unemployment rate rose to 5% in January 2026, up from 4.8% in December, according to government data released on Monday, February 16, indicating

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a marginal deterioration in labour market conditions on a month-on-month basis.

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The overall labour force participation rate (LFPR) for persons aged 15 years and above stood at 55.9% in January, compared with 56.1% in December 2025. Female LFPR in the same age group was recorded at 35.1% in January, unchanged from November levels.

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After witnessing a gradual rise between June and December 2025, the worker population ratio (WPR) for individuals aged 15 years and above edged lower to 53.1% in January.

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Also read: Govt says 2.22 crore people provided jobs at 18,000 job fairs across country in past year

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Urban workforce participation remained largely stable. For persons aged 15 years and above, male LFPR in urban areas stood at 70.5% in January, while female LFPR was 23%, both broadly unchanged from the previous month.

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Also read: Budget 2026: FM proposes high-powered panel to boost jobs via services sector

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In rural areas, the male unemployment rate in the 15 years and above category remained steady. The slight softening in key labour indicators has been attributed to seasonal factors, including the winter slowdown and post-harvest slack in rural regions.

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Also Read: India’s trade deficit widens in Jan 2026; Exports to US rise and Gold imports surge

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India’s unemployment rate rises to 5% in January 2026

SUMMARY