New Delhi, March 25 -- For decades, the Indian youth dream followed a clear path: move out of farming, get a degree, and secure a stable job. The reality now is far different.

More women did farm jobs in 2023-24 compared to six years ago, even though they have made great strides in securing non-agriculture jobs over the decades. For men, particularly the young and educated, the job market does not have enough quality jobs or salary growth in the offing.

These are the findings from the State of Working India 2026 report-a comprehensive study on India's labour market-by Azim Premji University. Mint explores in detail how India's job market is tough for young women and tougher for young men.

India's long-running structural shift away from...