According to the "State of Working India 2023" report by Azim Premji University, over 42% of Indian graduates below 25 were unemployed in 2021-22, contrasting with an overall reduced unemployment rate of 6.6%. Post-pandemic, 60% of women were self-employed, up from 50%, but their earnings dropped to 85% of pre-pandemic levels.
Intergenerational mobility showed improvement, but less for Scheduled Castes and Tribes. The data suggests that graduates' higher unemployment may arise from higher wage expectations and financial cushioning. The report highlights a need for creating quality employment opportunities, especially for youth and graduates, to foster sustainable economic growth.