8,000 applicants for 187 home guard posts, exam held on airstrip in Odisha

“As the number of applicants was huge, there was a logistics challenge. To overcome this, it was decided to conduct the written test on the runway of the airstrip so that all applicants can be accommodated without any hassle,” said a senior police officer of the district.

While the numbers of applicants are almost similar in other districts, stadiums or huge playgrounds are used to conduct the written test.

For the smooth conduct of the examination in Odisha, adequate numbers of officials were deployed while drones monitored the candidates, said officials.

The candidates took a written test of 50 marks in two parts in 90 minutes. Officials said those who would clear the written test will be called for the physical fitness test.

An official said most candidates who applied for the home guard posts were graduates, while some of them have Masters’, technical and management degrees.

While home guard recruitments are done on contractual basis in Odisha, the state government provides a daily duty allowance of Rs 639 for them.