Odisha's Youth Face Unemployment Crisis Amidst Job Scarcity

The unemployment crisis in Odisha is reaching alarming levels as thousands of educated youth compete for a limited number of job opportunities. A recent home guard recruitment drive in Jharsuguda saw over 4,000 applicants for just 102 positions, revealing the desperation among graduates and postgraduates. This situation is not unique, as similar trends are observed across the state, with candidates often resorting to low-paying jobs due to a lack of options in the private sector. The article delves into the implications of this crisis and the factors contributing to the growing educated unemployment in Odisha.

By Ambika Singh Dec 29, 2025, 17:53 IST

Job Opportunities Dwindle in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The lack of job opportunities in Odisha is increasingly disheartening for the youth. A recent recruitment drive for home guards in Jharsuguda district has once again highlighted this issue. Over 4,040 candidates applied for just 102 positions, with more than 3,200 appearing for the written examination held at the Odisha Special Armed Police Battalion Ground.

What is particularly alarming is that the minimum qualification for these positions was only a fifth-grade education, with a daily allowance ranging from ₹623 to ₹639. Despite this, a significant number of applicants were graduates, postgraduates, and holders of technical degrees. Many candidates expressed that they are compelled to participate in such recruitment drives due to the lack of jobs in the private sector. One candidate remarked, "There are so many factories here, yet stable jobs are elusive. Home guard positions seem to be the last resort."

Viral Video from Sambalpur Airport

This incident is not an isolated case. Recently, over 8,000 candidates appeared for an examination for 187 home guard positions at the Jamadarpali airstrip in Sambalpur. Images and videos from the event went viral, showing thousands of young individuals seated on the ground while taking the exam. Similarly, in Rourkela, thousands applied for 202 positions, including many with B.Tech and dual MA degrees.

Serious Unemployment Issue

These occurrences underscore the severe problem of educated unemployment in Odisha. Despite industrial growth in the state, suitable job opportunities for the youth remain scarce. The economy, reliant on mining and agriculture, is not generating new jobs. Many experts believe that the gap in education and skills, delays in government recruitment, and sluggishness in the private sector are the primary causes of this crisis.

According to the recruitment process, approximately 1,010 candidates who pass the written exam in Jharsuguda will be called for a physical efficiency test. The final selection will be based on both examinations, indicating that there are more than 40 candidates competing for each position.