Assam is grappling with a deepening unemployment crisis among its youth as the relentless pursuit of government employment has left thousands of young people in a state of prolonged uncertainty. Across districts from Guwahati to Dhubri, students and graduates are seen gathering at coaching centers, preparing for competitive exams that promise the security of a sarkari nौकरी — a government job — but deliver results far too rarely.
The trend has intensified over the past decade. As private sector growth remains limited in the state, families increasingly view government employment as the only viable career path. Parents invest their life savings in coaching classes, study materials, and repeated exam fees, hoping their children will clear one of the numerous recruitment drives conducted by state and central agencies. Yet the number of vacancies announced each year has fallen well short of the massive pool of applicants.
Recent years have seen the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) and other recruiting bodies announce exams for thousands of positions, but selection lists often remain pending for months or even years due to legal challenges, quota disputes, and administrative delays. Many candidates who clear written tests wait indefinitely for document verification and final appointment letters.
Sociologists and economists warn that this obsession with government jobs is creating a lost generation — young people in their twenties and thirties who have spent most of their adult lives studying for exams rather than gaining practical work experience. The psychological toll is significant, with rising cases of anxiety and depression reported among long-term aspirants.
State officials acknowledge the problem but point out that recent recruitment drives have addressed some backlog positions. Nevertheless, experts argue that unless Assam diversifies its economy and creates sustainable private employment, the cycle of exam preparation without placement is likely to continue worsening.
