Self-employment is creating most new jobs in India: What this means for job seekers

Self-employment has emerged as the fastest-growing segment in India’s labour market, rising from 23.9 crore in FY18 to 35.8 crore in FY24. It now accounts for over half of India’s total employment, with growth seen across both farm and non-farm sectors. Students and young professionals are exploring opportunities in freelancing, digital services, traditional businesses, and agricultural entrepreneurship. The trend highlights the need for skill development, entrepreneurial preparedness, and supportive policies to sustain independent work as formal jobs grow slowly.