The deepening employment crisis in Odisha came into sharp focus on Sunday as more than 4,000 candidates appeared for a written examination for just 102 Home Guard posts in Jharsuguda district. The overwhelming response has highlighted the growing lack of stable job opportunities for young people across the state.
Intense Competition for Limited Vacancies
According to official sources, 4,040 aspirants took the written test held at the Odisha Special Armed Police (OSAP) Battalion ground. With a success ratio of fewer than three candidates per seat, the recruitment drive underscored the intense competition for even temporary, low-paying government-linked jobs.
Highly Educated Youths Apply for Class-5 Level Jobs
Despite the minimum educational qualification being Class 5, a large number of graduates, postgraduates, and technically qualified youths appeared for the examination. Many candidates said they were compelled to apply due to shrinking private-sector employment, delayed government recruitment, and limited alternatives.
Several aspirants described the decision as one driven by economic necessity rather than career choice, reflecting the stress faced by educated youth in securing stable livelihoods.
Selection Process
As per the recruitment norms:
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1,010 candidates will be shortlisted from the written examination
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Shortlisted candidates will appear for a Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
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Final selection will be based on combined performance in both stages
A Widespread Pattern Across Odisha
Jharsuguda is not an isolated case. Similar scenes were witnessed recently:
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In Sambalpur, around 8,000 candidates competed for 187 Home Guard posts
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In Rourkela, applicants included B.Tech graduates and double M.A. degree holders
These trends point to a statewide employment challenge, where highly educated youths are increasingly competing for low-tier posts due to the absence of adequate job creation.
Growing Concern Over Youth Unemployment
Experts and aspirants alike say the situation calls for urgent policy attention, including faster recruitment cycles, skill-based job creation, and stronger support for employment in both the public and private sectors.
