India’s relentless hunt for government jobs

Sunil Kumar, a 30-year-old resident of Uttar Pradesh, has been chasing a stable government job for nearly a decade. Despite 13 failed attempts, he remains determined, driven by the job security and benefits that government jobs offer. Kumar’s plight underscores a broader problem in India, where millions of people struggle for limited government jobs.

Since 2014, 220 million people have applied for federal jobs, but only 722,000 were selected. Despite India’s booming economy, many young Indians prefer secure government jobs to opportunities in the private sector. Cultural norms and economic uncertainties fuel this preference, as government jobs promise lifelong security, health benefits, pensions and housing.

The high demand for government jobs has created a booming business for refresher courses, with millions of aspirants preparing for competitive exams. This sector remains lucrative despite low pass rates. The scarcity of quality jobs and the quest for job security have become major issues, influencing political outcomes and economic policies in the country.

(With input from agencies.)