State of Working India 2026 | Delhi
Focusing on the theme of young workers in the labour market
The State of Working India (SWI) is a regular publication of Azim Premji University that aims to provide the public with an evidence-based overview of the quality and quantity of employment in the Indian economy.
Previous editions have focused on a comprehensive overview of India’s labour market (SWI 2018), a set of policy briefs addressing the jobs challenge (SWI 2019), an assessment of the impact of the pandemic (SWI 2021), and most recently, on social identities and labour market outcomes (SWI 2023).
This year’s report focuses on the theme ‘Youth in the labour market: Pathways from learning to earning’. It draws from official data sources, administrative data, and primary surveys.
- Published
- Authors
Abstract
Youth in the Labour Market: Pathways from Learning to Earning
India is nearing the peak of its demographic dividend, with the share of the working-age population expected to begin declining after 2030. On the one hand, higher education in the country has become increasingly democratised with a rapid increase in the number of institutions. Graduate salaried earnings exceed non-graduates both at the time of entry into employment and over their lifetime. On the other hand, financial barriers continue to restrict access, particularly in professional fields such as engineering and medicine. The transition from education to employment remains a major challenge. The rise in the number of graduates has not been matched by commensurate growth in graduate employment. This year’s State of Working India report traces the arc of a young worker’s transition from school or college into employment, and how this has changed in the last forty years.
Report Files
Full Report — download PDF file
Executive Summary (PDF)
Tables (spreadsheet)
Results Appendix (PDF)
All Figures (Figures 1.1−4.7, Figures 4.8−7.10 )
Figures Data(spreadsheet)
Press Release (English | Hindi | Kannada)
Media Coverage (spreadsheet)
Links
The event will feature a presentation of the key findings from the latest report, followed by remarks from leading experts and stakeholders.
The SWI report aims to provide well‑researched and analytically rigorous insights into India’s labour market bringing together perspectives from researchers, policymakers, journalists, and civil society.
Programme:
| Starts at | Ends at | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 9:30 am | 10:00 am | Registration and Tea/Coffee |
| 10:00 am | 11:15 am | Presentation of the report and Q & A |
| 11:15 am | 12:30 pm | Panel discussion |
| 12:30 pm | 1:30 pm | Lunch |