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Research Paper | Economics | Volume 15 Issue 6, June 2026 | Pages: 234 - 238 | India
Degrees, Dreams, and Delayed Employment: Analyzing the Voluntary Unemployment Paradox Among Urban Indian Graduates
Abstract: This paper examines the paradox of voluntary unemployment among urban educated youth in India, where an increasing number of graduates, despite a growing economy and ample job openings, choose to remain unemployed. Using a primary survey of 50 urban graduates, both recent graduates and those with 1-3 years of experience, this research adopts a mixed-methods approach, collecting socio-demographic data, salary expectations, and decision-making factors through a structured online questionnaire. The analysis, grounded in descriptive statistics and cross-tabulation, reveals that voluntary unemployment is strongly influenced by skill mismatches, high reservation wages, and social norms shaped by family and peer expectations. The findings suggest that bridging the gap between education and employment requires not merely job creation, but a simultaneous realignment of skills, salary expectations, and societal perceptions of work. The study concludes with evidence-based policy recommendations, including curriculum reform, structured career counselling, and improved job market transparency.
Keywords: Voluntary unemployment, urban youth, skill mismatch, reservation wage
How to Cite?: Dr. Diya Devare, Shreya Birari, "Degrees, Dreams, and Delayed Employment: Analyzing the Voluntary Unemployment Paradox Among Urban Indian Graduates", Volume 15 Issue 6, June 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 234-238, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26604150202, DOI: https://dx.dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26604150202