New Delhi: The unemployment rate among persons aged 15 years and above declined to a seven-month low of 4.7 per cent in November 2025, down from 5.2 per cent in October, indicating improving labour market conditions, according to official data released on Monday.

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) said the November figure was the lowest recorded since April 2025. Rural unemployment fell to a new low of 3.9 per cent, while urban unemployment eased to 6.5 per cent, matching the lowest level seen in April.

The ministry said the decline was broad-based, with unemployment rates falling for both males and females across rural and urban areas. Among females, the unemployment rate dropped to 4.8 per cent in November from 5.4 per cent in October, driven by a sharp fall in rural female unemployment to 3.4 per cent. Urban female unemployment also edged down to 9.3 per cent.

Male unemployment declined to 4.6 per cent in November from 5.1 per cent a month earlier. Rural male unemployment stood at 4.1 per cent, while the urban rate was 5.6 per cent.

MoSPI said the trends reflected strengthening labour market conditions, supported by gains in rural employment, rising female participation and gradual improvement in urban labour demand.

The labour force participation rate rose to 55.8 per cent in November, the highest since April 2025, mainly due to increased participation in rural areas.