Unemployment rises for graduates in Odisha despite overall job market improvement

A recent report from the National Sample Survey Office shows that unemployment rates are higher among educated individuals in Odisha. The unemployment rate for postgraduates is 13.6%, while graduates face an 18.9% rate. In contrast, those with higher secondary education have a 5.2% unemployment rate. The report highlights a disconnect between higher education and job market needs. Many educated individuals are unwilling to accept lower-skilled jobs, while less educated groups have lower unemployment rates, often due to informal or self-employment. Despite these challenges, Odisha's overall unemployment rate has improved, dropping from 3.9% in 2022-23 to 3.1% in 2023-24. Unemployment among youth aged 15-29 also decreased from 13.8% to 11.1%.