Youth Unemployment, Underemployment and the Employability

According to the official Periodic Labour Force Survey Annual Report 2025, India's unemployment rate among people aged 15–29 was 9.9% under the usual-status measure.

The corresponding rates were 8.3% in rural areas and 13.6% in urban areas.

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These figures concern the specified survey population and definition. They should not be interpreted as the percentage of all Indian youth without jobs.

YASHHO connects its AACE64™ ability profile with a Personalized Success Path Chart and six career pathways to support informed career conversations.

Possible reasons include insufficient job opportunities, mismatch between qualifications and employer requirements, lack of experience and geographic barriers.

Some candidates may also need development in communication, problem-solving or professional execution.

YASHHO examines these transferable abilities, but unemployment must not be blamed entirely on individuals.

Unemployment refers to people without employment who meet the relevant statistical criteria for seeking or being available for work.

Unemployability is a less precisely defined term often used to describe gaps between an individual's capabilities and the requirements of available jobs.

A person can be employable yet unemployed because suitable jobs are unavailable. YASHHO's focus is ability development, not assigning blame for unemployment.

Underemployment can describe situations in which people work fewer hours than they want or are unable to use their available capabilities fully.

A graduate may be employed but still face limited earnings, unsuitable responsibilities or inadequate opportunities.

YASHHO can support career-readiness development, but better employment outcomes also require suitable labour-market opportunities.

The official PLFS Annual Report 2025 estimated that 25.0% of people aged 15–29 were not in employment, education or training under its reported measure.

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This category is commonly called NEET in labour-market statistics—Not in Employment, Education or Training. It is unrelated to India's medical entrance examination, which uses the same acronym.

The figure highlights the importance of examining barriers to participation, including care responsibilities, access and economic opportunity.

YASHHO connects its AACE64™ ability profile with a Personalized Success Path Chart and six career pathways to support informed career conversations.

YASHHO can help graduates identify developmental priorities in Confidence, Problem-solving, Adaptability, Efficiency, Decision-making and Communication. Such development may improve readiness for certain employment opportunities.

However, any claim that YASHHO reduces unemployment would require measured employment outcomes, and national unemployment also depends on job availability.

Employers may consider role-specific qualifications, practical experience, communication, technical competence and job fit.

Good marks are valuable but do not guarantee that a candidate meets every requirement.

YASHHO's ability profile may help individuals identify developmental priorities, while job-specific preparation remains essential.

Unemployment can affect confidence and motivation, particularly after repeated unsuccessful applications.

YASHHO examines Confidence, Resilience, Self Reflection, Growth Mindset and Planning.

Its findings may support a structured development plan, but it does not replace employment services or mental-health support when needed.

A career gap does not automatically indicate weak abilities or poor professional potential.

YASHHO's assessment can help individuals reflect on current strengths and areas requiring development.

Practical next steps may include updating technical skills, preparing a resume, practising interviews and seeking suitable opportunities.

YASHHO's primary role is success-ability assessment and development, not guaranteed job placement.

For actual job discovery, India's government-run National Career Service offers job-search information, career services, counselling and training resources through www.ncs.gov.in.

Directorate General of Employment

YASHHO's ability-development approach can complement these services.