India's formal workforce is seeing a strong influx of young workers, with 79% of new UANs generated during 2025-26 belonging to people aged between 18 and 30 years, according to the Pulse FY2026 report.
More than 57,000 new UANs were generated during the year. The 21-25 age group accounted for more than 35% of the new accounts, making it the largest group entering formal employment.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
79% of new UANs in 2025-26 belonged to workers aged 18-30. More than 57,000 UANs were generated.
The 21-25 age group accounted for over 35%. Nearly 59% of new EPFO subscribers in 2024-25 were aged 18-25.
Around 64,000 apprenticeships were facilitated. Automotive sector accounted for more than 51% of apprenticeship contracts.
Nearly 69% of the workforce was deployed in Tier-II and Tier-III cities.
About 30% of workers hold graduate or postgraduate qualifications.
The trend is also visible in EPFO membership. Nearly 59% of new EPFO subscribers in 2024-25 were aged between 18 and 25, pointing to a growing presence of younger workers in India's organised economy.
Apprenticeships are also expanding. The report said nearly 64,000 apprenticeship contracts were facilitated under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme, with the automotive sector accounting for more than 51% of them. Women represented nearly 28% of new UAN registrations during 2025-26 and received 26% of apprenticeship contracts.
The report also points to a shift beyond India's major urban centres. Nearly 69% of the workforce was deployed across Tier-II and Tier-III cities, indicating that formal employment is spreading deeper into smaller cities.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The figures point to a changing employment landscape in India, where young workers and smaller cities are playing a growing role in the formal economy. The apprenticeship numbers also show the importance of industry-linked training, particularly in sectors such as automotive manufacturing.
Education levels among organised workers are also rising. Around 96% have completed at least Class 10, while 61% have completed Class 12 or higher. About 30% hold graduate or postgraduate qualifications.
