In an unusual turn of events in Sambalpur district of Odisha, 8,000 candidates appearing for the Home Guard recruitment exam were made to sit on an airstrip to take their test. The incident reported on Tuesday, saw thousands of candidates taking the exam in an open-air setting. The massive turnout created significant logistical challenges, making it impossible to conduct the examination at scheduled centers.
Exam conducted on the runway
For the 187 Home Guard positions, the minimum qualification required was passing the fifth grade. Yet, 8,000 candidates showed up, including graduates and postgraduates. To manage the situation and ensure the smooth conduct of the examination, the administration chose the Jamadarpali airstrip as the exam venue. The candidates were made to sit on the airstrip under the open sky, which allowed for better crowd control and ensured the smooth conduct of the examination. Despite the unusual circumstances, the examination was conducted peacefully, and the candidates maintained discipline throughout. Officials said that the decision to conduct the examination on the airstrip helped avoid mismanagement and ensured security.
ओडिशा के संबलपुर में होमगार्ड भर्ती परीक्षा के लिए एयरस्ट्रिप को परीक्षा केंद्र बनाया गया
◆187 पदों के लिए 8–9 हजार से अधिक अभ्यर्थी पहुंचे, संख्या ज्यादा होने से रनवे पर परीक्षा हुई
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— News24 (@news24tvchannel) December 19, 2025
Eight thousand candidates appear for exam
Briefing about the incident, Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP), Sambalpur stated that the examination was held in the district on December 16. Approximately ten thousand applicants had applied for the examination, and about eight thousand candidates appeared on the day of the exam. He added that conducting the exam for eight thousand candidates in one place would have required making arrangements in twenty schools. “Sambalpur is a place where several exams are conducted every Sunday, and managing such a large number of candidates at the same time becomes difficult,” the ASP said.
According to officials, the recruitment is being done under a contract or needs-based model. Although only a basic educational qualification was required for the post, a large number of graduate and postgraduate candidates appeared for the examination, highlighting the lack of stable employment opportunities for educated youth.
