Young workers are driving the growth of India’s formal employment, with 79 per cent of new Universal Account Numbers generated during 2025-26 belonging to people aged between 18 and 30 years. According to a report, Pulse FY2026, more than 57,000 new UANs were generated during the year. The 21 to 25 age group accounted for over 35 per cent of these accounts, making it the largest group entering formal employment.
The report also found that nearly 59 per cent of new Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation subscribers in 2024-25 were aged between 18 and 25, highlighting the growing contribution of young workers to India’s formal economy.
According to the report, nearly 64,000 apprenticeship contracts were facilitated under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme. The automotive sector accounted for more than 51 per cent of these contracts. Women accounted for nearly 28 per cent of new UANs generated during 2025-26 and received 26 per cent of apprenticeship contracts.
The report also highlighted the growing importance of smaller cities, with nearly 69 per cent of the workforce deployed across tier-II and tier-III cities. It said India’s organised workforce is also becoming more educated. Around 96 per cent of workers have completed at least Class 10, while 61 per cent have completed Class 12 or higher. About 30 per cent hold graduate or postgraduate qualifications.
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