Kota, September 16, 2025 – In a stark illustration of India's youth unemployment crisis, over 400,000 students recently participated in the Rajasthan Police Constable recruitment exam for just 10,000 available positions, with many forced to sleep on the footpaths of Kota, a city renowned for its coaching centers. This intense competition underscores the broader economic challenges facing India's young population, where two-thirds of the unemployed are now educated, a figure that has doubled since 2000, according to a recent report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Institute of Human Development (IHD). The examination, held on September 13 and 14, 2025, saw a 72% attendance rate, with candidates vying for roles in general duty and driver positions. The written test, comprising 150 questions with negative marking, is the first phase of a selection process that includes physical and medical tests. However, the scarcity of accommodation in Kota forced many examinees to endure nights on the streets, a scene captured in viral social media posts that have reignited discussions on youth unemployment and the allure of government jobs. Kota, often dubbed "the most stressed city in India," is a coaching hub where students, primarily aged 17 to 20, face grueling schedules to prepare for competitive exams like NEET and IIT entrances. The pressure is exacerbated by familial expectations and the high cost of coaching, with fees reaching 150,000 rupees annually, plus additional monthly expenses for accommodation and food. This year alone, 27 students in Kota's coaching schools have committed suicide, highlighting the severe mental health toll of this environment, as reported by The Guardian in 2023. The preference for government jobs, despite the fierce competition, is driven by their perceived security and benefits, including pensions and opportunities for corruption, as noted in trending comments on social media. This cultural inclination is set against a backdrop where private sector jobs, although available, often lack the stability and additional income streams that government positions offer. The ILO-IHD report further reveals that many educated youth are underemployed, working in roles far below their qualifications, such as construction supervision, due to a mismatch between education and employable skills. As India grapples with its demographic dividend turning into a demographic challenge, the government faces mounting pressure to address these issues. The upcoming Rajasthan Police Constable results, expected to be announced soon, will determine the fate of these 400,000 aspirants, but the broader question remains: how can India harness its young population's potential in a job market that increasingly favors stability over opportunity?
