Research forms a core activity of the Institute and includes such efforts as developing methodologies for assessment of stock, forecasting demand for and supply of skills, analytical and theoretical studies on area specific, vocation-group specific, and sector-specific issues and issues relating to human resource development and use. NILERD regularly publishes research reports and seminar proceedings from its various seminars, workshops and conferences. The Institute publishes Manpower Profile India Yearbook which is widely regarded as the most definitive document on all aspects of human capacities covering population characteristics, manpower formation process, base for manpower utilisation and utilisation characteristics, economic returns from manpower utilisation, labour market features, gender issues and international comparisons. The Institute's journal titled, Manpower Journal, is a refereed journal published quarterly from NILERD since 1965. This journal provides a forum for the dissemination of information and research findings on different aspects of manpower, employment and related issues. Original research articles and research notes that fall within the scope of the journal are invited from scholars and practitioners. The Manpower Journal also publishes special issues from time to time.

Some of the current research themes include:

1. Employment and Unemployment

2. Human Response Development

3. Science, Technology & Industry

4. Social Sector