Odisha Police Sub-Inspector exam in limbo amid ongoing CBI investigation

The Odisha Police Sub-Inspector (SI) examination remains uncertain as the case linked to the previous exam continues to be investigated by the CBI. Aspirants across the state are reportedly anxious, with age limits being crossed and no clarity on the new exam date. With thousands of aspirants eagerly awaiting the announcement, some even staged protests in front of the OPRB office in recent days.

As per reports, the official notification for the SI exam was released on January 17, 2025, announcing 933 posts, including 609 for Police Sub-Inspectors, 253 for Police Armed Force, 47 for Fire Station Officers, and 24 for Assistant Jailors. The exam was initially scheduled for March 8-9, and then postponed to July 3, and later to October, but each date was cancelled due to irregularities. A major setback occurred on September 29, when 114 aspirants and middlemen were arrested, prompting the cancellation of the exam for the third time.

Thousands of candidates have demanded intervention from the Chief Minister, citing concerns over age limits. 

"A massive protest is likely in the coming days. It is only natural for aspirants to protest as their future is at stake, and continued delays in the examinations are severely affecting their careers. The government must act proactively and put necessary mechanisms in place to ensure that the examination is conducted at the earliest in a fair and transparent manner," said Rajeev Patra, an aspirant.

"Let the CBI investigation continue, and the culprits be punished strictly. But why should innocent aspirants suffer for no fault of theirs? What mistake have the candidates committed to deserve such uncertainty and hardship? We sincerely urge the government to resolve the matter at the earliest and conduct the examination as soon as possible," said Ranjan Muduli, another aspirant.

In response to the controversy, the Odisha government established a new selection commission for uniformed service employees in November last year. The commission will now oversee recruitment for police and other uniformed services under the Home, Excise, Forest and Environment, Commerce, and Transport departments. 

Meanwhile, legal experts have cautioned that the government should not compromise the candidates’ future while the investigation is ongoing. According to former administrators and lawyers, a fresh examination should be conducted, keeping the future prospects of candidates in mind.

"The suspects under the CBI investigation should not be allowed to appear in the examination. However, all aspirants cannot be restrained from taking the exam. The CBI investigation, filing of the chargesheet, and the trial process will continue in due course. That does not mean that no Sub-Inspectors should be appointed until then," said lawyer Prashant Sahu.

Also Read: Odisha SI recruitment exam scam: CBI files preliminary chargesheet; Shankar Prusty among 16 named

"The government appears to be inactive, as the number of aspirants raising their voices is not very large. As per legal procedure, a process that is sub judice cannot be continued. However, a fresh examination can still be conducted," said former Chief Secretary Sahadev Sahoo.

Notably, the SI exam scandal, which drew widespread attention across the state, is still under CBI investigation. Over 130 persons, including the main accused Shankar Pusty, have been arrested. Meanwhile, aspirants continue to await the announcement of the new exam schedule amid growing frustration and uncertainty.