In a surprising trend, the recent home guard recruitment drive in Mysuru saw a large influx of overqualified candidates. Of the 204 selected, 100 are undergraduates and 20 hold postgraduate degrees — even though the minimum educational requirement was SSLC. The recruitment, conducted by the Karnataka Home Guards and Civil Defence Department, received 638 applications.
Officials attribute the surge in educated applicants to the job’s stability, government incentives, and timely remuneration. Monthly pay has become competitive, with home guards attached to police units earning Rs 800 per day and those in other departments receiving Rs 500.
The recruitment was carried out to fill vacancies caused by the resignation of 217 personnel. Only 436 of the 638 applicants cleared the physical fitness test, and after screening, 204 were selected across 13 units in the district.
Chief Commandant M Kantharaju said the revised wages have significantly boosted interest among youth, especially those who prefer the police department. A new home guard unit is also being established to meet the growing demand.
The trend highlights how even postgraduates are turning to roles in civil defence for job security and regular income. Mahesh, a PG graduate now working as a home guard, says, “I chose this job because the government pays promptly and offers decent benefits.”
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