Over 11000 MBA, BTech, graduates & PG students apply for 240 home guard posts in Odisha

Over 11,500 candidates have applied for 240 home guard positions in Berhampur and Ganjam, underscoring the growing issue of educated unemployment in Odisha. According to sources, the Ganjam police district received nearly 7,500 applications for 135 posts, while the Berhampur police district saw around 4,154 applications for 105 vacancies.

Although authorities have not yet verified the applicants’ qualifications, police officials revealed that many of them hold graduate and postgraduate degrees. The minimum eligibility for the post is a Class V pass, and selected home guards are paid Rs 612 per day.

Written Exam Compulsory

Berhampur SP Saravana Vivek M. stated that all applicants would be allowed to appear in the written test without prior qualification scrutiny. 

“Post the written examination, we will shortlist approximately 500 to 550 candidates for subsequent rounds, including physical assessments,” he said, adding that the document verification will be done after the shortlisting of the candidates.

Ganjam SP Subhendu Patra noted that the high number of applications was expected, given the size and population of the district. A dedicated team of officers has been assigned to verify applications.

Worrying Trend of Unemployment

The volume of applications from overqualified individuals for low-skill jobs reflects the severe employment challenges in the region. 

Educationist Sudhir Rout emphasized that this is part of a larger trend, with candidates holding degrees like B.Tech and MBA also applying for similar posts in other districts.