There are four sources of data for unemployment in India. Census report of India, National Sample Survey Organization’s report related to the state of employment and unemployment data registered in the employment office of directorate of employment and training and family employment. Unemployment related survey is done by labour bureau On a regular basis. There is a difference in the data of these sources because their objectives and working systems are different. Industrial and educated unemployment exists mainly in urban areas, while in rural areas, there is under employment and open unemployment.

According to NSSO, CDS, in the year 1999-2000, 336.9 million persons and human days were in the condition of employment, which increased to 382.8 million in the year 2004-05, and 415.7 million in the year 2011 -12.

The long term usual unemployment in India has remained around 2 per cent. Whereas, CDS unemployment was 7.3 per cent in 1999-2000 and 5.6 per cent in 2011-12. This grew from 7.3 per cent in 1999-2000 to 8.2 per cent in 2004-05 and it again reduced to 5.6 per cent in 2011-12. Between 2004-05 and 2011-12, despite less growth in employment, a decrease in unemployment was observed.

While looking at the regional distribution of unemployment in India, it is seen that in the year 2011-12, according to the general situation, unemployment was only 9.1 % in Kerala, while it was 4.4 per cent in West Bengal. The share of self employment in total employment is 52.2%.