Videos and photos show rows of candidates seated on the Jamadarpali airstrip, writing their papers directly on the ground
It sounds unreal, but in Odisha thousands of job seekers sat in orderly rows on an airstrip, pens in hand, competing for just a few government posts.
Videos and photos show rows of candidates seated on the Jamadarpali airstrip, writing their papers directly on the ground, drawing widespread attention and sparking debate about jobs and logistics in the state.
The written exam was held on December 16 for just 187 Home Guard posts, yet more than 8,000 candidates—many with higher educational qualifications—showed up to compete in the test.
Watch the video here:
#WATCH 🎥 | 8,000 aspirants sat for a Home Guard exam on an airstrip runway in Odisha’s Sambalpur, all competing for just 187 vacancies. ✈️❌📄
One runway. One sitting. Thousands of dreams.#Odisha #Sambalpur #HomeGuardExam #JobsCrisis #IndiaJobs pic.twitter.com/tQFyHdkuVZ
— Moneycontrol (@moneycontrolcom) December 22, 2025
Why the airstrip?
Authorities say the decision to use the airstrip was driven by sheer numbers. With such a massive turnout, traditional venues like schools or colleges simply couldn’t accommodate all the candidates at once. Officials said the open runway offered enough space to seat everyone in an orderly manner and allowed the recruitment test to proceed smoothly, as per the Indian Express.
To keep the event organised, the police deployed extra personnel and even used drones to monitor the crowd and ensure discipline throughout the process.
Although the minimum educational requirement for the Home Guard position was just a Class V pass, many who appeared held far higher qualifications. Graduates, postgraduates, and even candidates with advanced degrees such as MBAs and MCAs were among those seated on the airstrip.
As the visuals spread online, opposition leaders and social media users criticised the state government, questioning the job market situation and the need to host such a large number of applicants for relatively few vacancies. One political post circulating on X (formerly Twitter) read:
“This is not a movie scene. This is BJP-ruled Odisha. Where more than 8,000 aspirants, including MBA & MCA graduates, were lining up for just 187 Home Guard vacancies…”
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