A report released on July 8 shows that nearly 23% of Karnataka’s youth under 35 are neither working nor studying, despite an unemployment rate of 8.6%. The Future of India Foundation compiled data from 27 government sources to rank districts on youth opportunities.
The Karnataka State Handbook on Youth Opportunity includes a YouthPOWER scorecard across five parameters. Karnataka scored 48.5 overall, slightly below the national average of 50, with Bengaluru Urban at 65 and Yadgir at 42.
Youth labour force participation rose from 40% in 2017-18 to 45.6% in 2025, while unemployment fell from 15.8% to 8.6%. Real monthly wages increased by 23% and vocational training reach grew from 6.5% to 28.5%.
The report highlights limited opportunities outside Bengaluru and notes challenges for women, with only one in four young women in the workforce. It recommends preparing youth for work, supporting enterprise and creating local jobs.
“Ensuring that all youth succeed concerns all of us,” said Ruchi Gupta, executive director of Future of India Foundation.
