B.Tech, MBA graduates queue up for Home Guard jobs in Rourkela

Hundreds of candidates, including diploma holders, B.Tech graduates, and other highly educated youth, stood in long queues from as early as 4 am in Rourkela on Friday to appear for the physical test for Home Guard recruitment in the Rourkela Police District.

What’s surprising is that the minimum educational qualification required for the job is only a Class 5 pass. Yet, the list of applicants includes many with higher academic credentials, highlighting the growing desperation for stable employment among educated youth.

Both men and women were seen lining up in large numbers, with the queue reportedly stretching to accommodate nearly 700 candidates. Aspirants shared that while they hold degrees in engineering, diplomas, and other higher studies, the scarcity of job opportunities has pushed them to seek even low-grade posts.

The physical test is being held at the Rourkela Reserve Ground. These candidates had already cleared the written examination conducted on June 9 and were shortlisted for the next stage.

The overwhelming turnout of highly educated candidates for a post requiring minimal qualifications has once again drawn attention to the deepening employment crisis and underemployment scenario in the state.

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Notably, over 9,000 candidates, many of them with professional degrees such as B.Tech, MBA, MCA, and Diplomas, appeared for the home guard recruitment exam conducted for just 107 posts that remain vacant in the Rourkela Police District.

The daily remuneration for the home guard post is Rs 612, a modest amount for individuals with high-level qualifications. However, the lack of alternative employment has driven thousands to seek even these low-paying roles.