In an extraordinary arrangement highlighting the scale of unemployment-driven competition, Sambalpur’s airstrip in Odisha was transformed into a massive open-air examination centre as more than 8,000 candidates appeared for the Home Guard recruitment test. The examination was held on December 16 for just 187 vacancies, drawing aspirants not only from across the district but also from other parts of the state. Aerial visuals of thousands of candidates seated on the runway under the open sky quickly went viral on social media, drawing widespread attention. Officials confirmed that many candidates held higher qualifications, including MBA and MCA degrees, underlining the intense scramble for limited government-linked opportunities.

According to the district administration, the decision to use the airstrip was taken due to the unexpectedly large turnout, which made it impractical to accommodate candidates across conventional examination centres. Authorities said the vast runway allowed for better crowd management and reduced the risk of malpractice. To ensure a smooth and fair process, additional police personnel were deployed and multiple drones were used for aerial surveillance throughout the examination. Candidates reported at the venue as early as 6 am, though question papers were distributed around 9 am. The written test lasted one hour and consisted of a 20-mark paragraph-writing section and a 30-mark general knowledge paper. Officials noted that Home Guards in Odisha receive a daily allowance of ₹639, making the posts attractive despite their limited number.

The unusual exam arrangement has also sparked a political row, with the All India Trinamool Congress sharply criticising the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government in Odisha. In a post on X, the TMC said the sight of over 8,000 aspirants competing for 187 posts reflected the grim employment situation in the state, calling it a “brutal reality” of so-called double-engine governance. The party alleged that widespread unemployment had forced even highly educated youth to line up for low-paying posts. The Odisha BJP, however, has not yet responded to the criticism, while the visuals continue to fuel debate over jobs, governance, and opportunities for the state’s youth.