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Why Are Odisha's Police Constable Aspirants Protesting? Key Demands Unveiled!

In Bhubaneswar, thousands of police constable aspirants protested, demanding revisions to age limits and reservation policies in the ongoing recruitment process. They expressed concerns over the lack of reserved category vacancies and discrepancies in the government's announced SEBC reservation. The protest, which included dramatic demonstrations, highlights the frustrations of candidates who feel unprepared for the recruitment process due to age restrictions. A delegation has approached the Chief Minister's Office for resolution, while the government has promised to review their grievances.
By Ambika Singh Nov 4, 2026, 08:48 IST

Mass Protest by Police Constable Aspirants in Bhubaneswar


Bhubaneswar: A significant number of aspirants for police constable positions gathered in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday, voicing their demands for changes in age limits and reservation policies related to the current recruitment drive. The demonstrators assembled outside the Odisha Uniformed Services Staff Selection Commission (OUSSSC) office to seek updates on their earlier submissions made on October 26 before proceeding to protest at Gandhi Marg.


During the demonstration, many participants were seen kneeling and performing sit-ups while holding their ears. This protest comes in light of the announcement for filling 7,268 constable vacancies. The candidates expressed their concerns that, although there is a five-year age relaxation for SC, ST, SEBC candidates, the lack of reserved category vacancies, especially for SEBC candidates in 23 police districts, has hindered many from seizing this opportunity.


The protesters also highlighted the inconsistency between the government's stated 11.25 percent SEBC reservation and the mere two percent quota mentioned in the recruitment notification. Similar issues were raised regarding the Odisha Industrial Security Force (OISF) recruitment, which has not occurred in nearly a decade. With the upper age limit set at 23 years, many candidates who were under 18 in 2016 now find themselves ineligible despite years of preparation.


They claimed that inconsistencies in recruitment notifications often compel candidates to seek legal recourse from the Orissa High Court, leading to financial strain and delays. Bibhuti Bhushan Mahapatra, president of the State Congress Student Wing, joined the protest to show solidarity. In the meantime, a six-member delegation met with officials at the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), and the government has reportedly requested two days to review their concerns.


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