Sambalpur: In an unusual and controversial move, thousands of aspirants appeared for a Home Guard recruitment examination sitting on the ground at an airstrip in Odisha, after authorities struggled to accommodate the massive turnout for a limited number of posts. Videos and photographs from the examination venue, which surfaced widely on social media, showed candidates seated in long rows on the tarmac, writing their papers in open-air conditions, triggering sharp political criticism and debate over unemployment in the state.
The written examination was conducted on December 16 for recruitment to Home Guard posts, with more than 8,000 candidates appearing for just 187 vacancies. Due to the overwhelming number of applicants and the lack of sufficient large-capacity examination centres, the district police decided to use an airstrip that is rarely operational to hold the test.
Exam arrangements and conduct
According to officials, the candidates were asked to report early in the morning, around 6 am, to ensure smooth arrangements and crowd management. Question papers were distributed at approximately 9 am, after which the examination commenced. The written test lasted for one hour and consisted of two components — a 20-mark paragraph writing exercise and a 30-mark general knowledge section.
To manage the large gathering and maintain order, authorities deployed additional police personnel at the venue. Drones were also used for aerial surveillance to monitor the examination area and prevent any untoward incidents. Senior officials stated that these measures were taken to ensure discipline and transparency during the recruitment process.
Despite the unusual setting, officials maintained that the examination was conducted peacefully and without disruption. No reports of injuries or major complaints from candidates were officially recorded on the day of the test.
Candidates’ profiles highlight job crunch
What drew further attention to the recruitment exercise was the educational background of several applicants. As reported by PTI, some of the candidates competing for the Home Guard posts held professional degrees such as MBA and MCA. This detail added to the growing discourse around unemployment and underemployment, particularly among educated youth.
The Home Guards in Odisha receive a daily allowance of ₹639, according to an official quoted in the report. The fact that thousands of highly qualified candidates applied for a role offering modest remuneration has been cited by critics as evidence of limited job opportunities in the state.
Many aspirants reportedly viewed the recruitment as a stable source of income, even if temporary, amid a challenging employment landscape.
Political reactions and criticism
The visuals from the examination venue quickly became a political flashpoint. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) strongly criticised the BJP-led Odisha government, sharing videos of the exam on social media platform X. In its post, the party said the scene was not fictional but a reflection of the state’s employment reality, where thousands of aspirants were competing for a handful of posts.
The TMC alleged that the situation exposed what it described as the failure of the “double engine” government model to generate adequate employment opportunities. The party highlighted that many candidates held postgraduate and professional degrees yet were compelled to seek low-paying positions due to lack of alternatives.
The criticism framed the episode as symbolic of broader issues related to unemployment and governance. The post gained traction online, with users debating both the examination arrangements and the state of job creation.
As of now, the Odisha BJP has not issued an official response to the criticism levelled by the opposition.
Authorities defend decision
Officials involved in organising the examination defended the decision to use the airstrip, stating that it was taken purely as a logistical measure. With more than 8,000 candidates and limited large open spaces available, the airstrip was considered suitable due to its size and controlled access.
Police officials said the primary objective was to ensure a smooth and fair examination without overcrowding or safety risks. They also emphasised that necessary arrangements were made to maintain discipline and prevent malpractice.
Broader questions raised
The episode has reignited discussions around recruitment planning, infrastructure availability for large-scale examinations, and the growing mismatch between educational qualifications and job opportunities. While mass recruitment drives often attract large numbers of candidates, the Sambalpur airstrip examination stood out due to its scale and setting.
Experts note that such incidents underline the need for better workforce planning and expansion of employment avenues, especially for educated youth. They also point to the importance of ensuring dignified and humane examination conditions, regardless of logistical constraints.
Conclusion
The Home Guard examination held on an airstrip has become more than just a recruitment exercise, evolving into a symbol of larger concerns surrounding unemployment, administrative preparedness, and political accountability. While authorities maintain that the test was conducted smoothly, the images of thousands of candidates seated on a tarmac continue to fuel debate. As political reactions mount, the incident is likely to remain a talking point in discussions on governance and employment in the state.