New data reveals stark regional disparities in India's urban labor market, with unemployment rates in some major cities exceeding 20% while others remain near full employment.

The figures underscore the uneven nature of job creation across the country's metropolitan centers.

5%. The average unemployment rate across these 46 million-plus cities stands at 6.

Prayagraj and Patna recorded the highest joblessness rates among 46 cities with populations exceeding one million, both surpassing the 20% threshold.

In sharp contrast, Ahmedabad and Kolkata reported the lowest rates, with unemployment holding below 2.5%.

The average unemployment rate across these 46 million-plus cities stands at 6.8%, broadly aligning with India's overall urban unemployment rate.

The divergence highlights structural challenges in specific regions, where economic activity has not translated into broad-based employment.