7,282 apply for 125 Home Guard posts in Koraput; graduates, postgraduates among aspirants

The recruitment drive for Home Guard posts in Koraput has witnessed an overwhelming response, with 7,282 applications received for just 125 vacancies.

What makes the turnout more striking is that while the minimum eligibility criteria is only a Class 5 pass, many of the applicants include graduates and postgraduates, reflecting the intense competition for limited government-backed jobs.

On Sunday, the written examination was conducted at the Government DAV College field in Koraput. The 90-minute test saw participation from a wide range of aspirants, with a particularly strong turnout of middle-aged women.

Reports indicate that the number of women applicants surpassed men, with many attributing their interest to the recent hike in Home Guard salaries, which has made the role more attractive.

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Officials say the recruitment process will continue with subsequent stages after evaluation of the written exam results.

Candidates Seek Public Sector Opportunities

Interestingly, several candidates admitted that they were aiming for higher positions in the future, such as through UPSC or OPSC, and had applied for the Home Guard role as a stepping stone. 

Despite Koraput being home to industries like coal mining, tourism, and HAL, local youth continue to struggle in securing government jobs. 

One candidate said, “The minimum qualification criteria is Class 5. As I am interested in public service, I applied for this exam.”

SP Welcomes Educated Applicants

Koraput SP Rohit Verma expressed optimism about the turnout. “A total of 7,281 candidates applied for the Home Guard position in Koraput Police. Currently, we are calculating the attendance, but we believe the maximum number appeared for the exam. We conducted a one-and one-and-a-half-hour written test, wished the candidates luck, and will declare the results soon. The eligibility criteria is Class 5 and the age limit is between 20 and 60 years. We also need educated people,” he said.