India's Formal Job Market Surge in May 2025
India experienced a significant increase in its formal job market in May 2025, according to the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) payroll data.
Record Membership Increase
- Net Member Addition: Elevated to 2.01 million in May, from 1.91 million in April 2025.
- Significance: Highest monthly addition since data tracking began in April 2018.
New Subscriber Enrolment
- New Employees: 0.94 million fresh employees joined in May, marking an 11% increase over April.
- Indicator: Represents clear evidence of new formal jobs.
Youth and Women's Participation
- Youth Segment: 59.5% of new subscribers aged 18-25, with a 14.5% month-on-month rise.
- Women Subscribers: 0.26 million new female subscribers in May, a 7% increase from April.
- Net Addition for Women: Total of 0.42 million, showing substantial monthly and annual growth.
Job Mobility and Retention
- Exits and Re-entries: 1.61 million members exited and rejoined in May, transferring balances instead of withdrawing.
- Expert Insights: Indicates growing confidence in EPFO's long-term benefits and sector organisation.
Regional and Sectoral Contributions
- Regional Contributions: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Haryana contributed to nearly 60% of net additions.
- Sectoral Leaders: Professional services, particularly manpower suppliers, led job creation (44% of new jobs), followed by manufacturing and trading sectors.
