New Delhi, February 5, 2026 – In a move to bolster employment opportunities across the country, the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment has highlighted a significant surge in job availability and digital resources for candidates. In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha today, Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje outlined the government’s multi-pronged strategy to connect job seekers with employers, primarily through the National Career Service (NCS) Portal.
For candidates navigating the current job market, the NCS portal has emerged as a central hub for employment-related services. According to the Ministry, the portal has recorded a cumulative total of over 2.14 crore vacancies since its inception. Currently, the platform hosts more than 4.30 crore registered job seekers and 35.84 lakh employers, facilitating a direct bridge between talent and industry requirements.
The Minister also detailed several key initiatives aimed at supporting new entrants into the workforce and those affected by the shifting economic landscape:
PM Internship Scheme: Launched to provide youth with exposure to real-world business environments, this scheme offers internships in the top 500 companies in India, helping candidates gain practical skills and monthly stipends.
Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rojgar Yojana (ABRY): This scheme was designed to incentivize employers to create new jobs and re-employ those who lost work during the pandemic. As of late 2025, the scheme has benefited over 60 lakh employees through provident fund incentives.
Support for Small Businesses: Schemes like PM-SVANidhi continue to provide credit to street vendors, fostering self-employment and micro-entrepreneurship in urban areas.
For job seekers tracking market health, the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) data indicates a positive trend in the national employment landscape. The Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) for individuals aged 15 and above has increased from 49.8% in 2017-18 to 60.1% in 2023-24. Simultaneously, the Worker Population Ratio (WPR) has risen to 58.2%, while the overall Unemployment Rate (UR) has seen a steady decline, dropping to 3.2%.
Beyond direct hiring, the government is emphasizing skill development through the Skill India Mission, ensuring that the workforce is “future-ready” for emerging sectors like green energy, digital infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing.
Candidates looking for job opportunities, career counseling, or vocational training information are encouraged to register on the official portal:
National Career Service (NCS) Portal: www.ncs.gov.in
