Thousands Take Home Guard Exam on Odisha Airstrip

An unprecedented scene unfolded in Indias eastern state of Odisha as thousands of applicants sat for a government Home Guard recruitment exam on an airstrip. Drone footage captured long rows of candidates seated directly on the tarmac, without the aid of tables or chairs, as they undertook the written test.

This event marked the initial phase of the Home Guard recruitment process, which is known for its basic educational requirements and typically draws substantial participation. The sheer volume of candidates underscores the fierce competition for government employment opportunities across India.

Data from the International Labour Organization indicates that unemployment among Indians aged 15 to 24 reached 18% in 2023. Furthermore, overall unemployment climbed to 8.5% in 2024, an increase from approximately 6% observed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy.

The visuals from the airstrip have ignited broader discussions regarding job scarcity, the adequacy of examination infrastructure, and the widespread desire for stable employment among the nation's youth.