Airstrip as Examination Hall: 8,000 Candidates Vie for 187 Home Guard Positions in Odisha

20 Dec 2025, 07:37 by Vinay Kakkad · KalingaTV

In a striking visualization of the region’s current employment landscape, the Jamadarpali Airstrip in Odisha’s Sambalpur district was transformed into a massive outdoor examination center this week. Over 8,000 applicants gathered on the tarmac to sit for a written test competing for just 187 vacancies for the post of Home Guard.

The recruitment drive, conducted by the Sambalpur police, highlights a significant logistical undertaking. Officials noted that the decision to use the airstrip was born of necessity. With an applicant-to-post ratio of approximately 43 to 1, traditional venues like school halls or local community centers were insufficient to accommodate the sheer volume of candidates while maintaining the integrity and transparency of the process.

A Professional Logistical Feat To manage the crowd, authorities deployed a significant number of personnel and utilized modern technology, including drones, to monitor the examination area. Candidates took the 50-mark test in two parts over 90 minutes, seated in orderly rows across the runway. A senior police official explained that the open-air venue was the most “hassle-free” way to ensure every applicant had a fair and spacious environment to complete their assessment.

Educational Trends in Vocational Roles While the minimum eligibility for the Home Guard position is a Class V education, the demographic of the applicants told a different story. Police officials confirmed that a vast majority of the 8,000 candidates are college graduates. Among them were individuals holding Master’s degrees, as well as technical and management qualifications.

The role of a Home Guard in Odisha is a contractual position, offering a daily duty allowance of ₹639. Despite the modest nature of the stipend and the contractual status, the high turnout of overqualified candidates reflects a growing preference for any form of government-affiliated service, which is often viewed as a stepping stone toward more permanent roles or a reliable means of support in an increasingly competitive job market.

Next Steps The written examination is only the first phase of the selection process. Those who successfully clear the academic hurdle will be summoned for physical fitness tests. For the thousands who sat on the tarmac this week, the event was more than just a test; it was a testament to the resilience and determination of a generation navigating the complexities of modern employment.