The latest data from the International Labour Organization's ILOSTAT database show that 24.3% of Iranians aged 15 to 24 are classified as NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training). The indicator measures the share of young people who are neither working, studying, nor participating in education or skills training. In other words, nearly one in four young Iranians is outside the education, training, and labor market system, making it one of the most important indicators of young people's transition from education to employment.

With a 24.3% NEET rate, Iran ranks 58th among the countries surveyed. Although this is above the global average of about 20%, it compares favorably with several other countries. Belarus recorded the highest rate at 65.7%, followed by Afghanistan (43.8%), Tajikistan (41.3%), Iraq (36.9%), South Africa (34.6%), Jordan (29.4%), India (25.5%), and Oman (25.5%), all of which have higher shares of young people outside education and employment than Iran.

At the other end of the ranking are countries that have successfully integrated most of their young population into education, skills training, or the labor market. Türkiye recorded 23.3%, Indonesia 21.4%, Saudi Arabia 16.4%, the United Kingdom 14.4%, the US 11.6%, France 11%, the United Arab Emirates 8.9%, Switzerland 7%, Russia 6.7%, Singapore 6.5%, and Japan posted the lowest rate at just 3.1%.

A review of the past decade shows that Iran has made progress. The overall NEET rate fell from 33.3% in 2014 to 24.3% in 2024, a decline of about nine percentage points over ten years. The trend indicates a gradual reduction in the number of young people outside education, training, and employment, although a significant gap remains compared with the global average and better-performing countries.

Gender-disaggregated data reveal a substantial disparity between men and women. The share of young men in the NEET category declined from 18.4% in 2014 to 15.4% in 2024. Among young women, the rate dropped from 48.6% to 34.1%. Although both groups have improved, more than one-third of young women remain outside education and employment, highlighting a significant gender gap.

Annual data also show a nearly uninterrupted decline in the overall indicator. The rate fell from 33.3% in 2014 to about 32% during 2015–2018, around 30% in 2019, nearly 29% in 2020, below 28% in 2021, about 27% in 2022, close to 26% in 2023, and finally 24.3% in 2024. Over the same period, the rate for men declined from 18.4% to 15.4%, while the rate for women fell from 48.6% to 34.1%, reflecting gradual improvement in both groups.

Despite the positive trend, the fact that more than one-quarter of Iran's youth remain outside education, skills training, and employment continues to raise concerns for the economy and labor market. The experience of countries such as Japan, Singapore, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, and Russia suggests that investment in vocational education, stronger links between universities and industry, expanded apprenticeship programs, easier entry into the labor market, and greater access to sustainable employment are among the most effective ways to reduce the NEET rate and better utilize human capital.