Unemployment has become one of the perennial problems in India. There are many debates among the researchers about the sudden hike in the unemployment rates observed in the PLFS: 2017-18 data. This study attempts to deliver a snapshot of the pre- pandemic socio-economic scenario of unemployment conditions of the country by makinga comparative analysis using EUS: 2011-12, PLFS: 2017-18 & PLFS: 2019-20 data. This study presents a preliminary overview of India’s pre-pandemic employment and unemployment scenario. Using the definitions provided by Bhattacharya (1995), it examines the proportions of individuals who are employed, unemployed, outside the labour force, and the overall unemployment rate. Estimates are disaggregated across key socio-economic dimensions, including regional variations, social and religious groups, household types, age and gender divisions, and educational qualifications. The findings highlight structural disparities in labour market outcomes and provide an initial framework for understanding vulnerabilities in India’s workforce prior to the pandemic.