New Delhi, July 21 -- India's formal job market saw a significant boost in May 2025, with the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) recording a net payroll addition of over two million, the highest monthly tally since the payroll data series began in April 2018, according to provisional data released by the ministry of labour and employment on Monday.

Net female payroll additions rose to 425,000, a 7.5% month-on-month increase and a 15% rise compared to May 2024, highlighting growing female participation in the formal workforce.

The surge reflects sustained momentum in formal job creation, with 942,000 new subscribers (ones taking up their first formal jobs) joining the EPFO in May, up from 849,000 in April, the data showed.

Of...