Over 24 Lakh Apply for Rajasthan Peon Jobs, Including MBA and PhD Holders: Alarming Snapshot of India's Job Crisis

Desperate Job Seekers with Advanced Degrees Line Up for Menial Government Posts Amid Surging Unemployment

JAIPUR — In a powerful reflection of India’s growing employment crisis, over 24.76 lakh candidates have applied for just 53,749 peon-level vacancies in Rajasthan. From MBA graduates to PhD holders, a wide spectrum of highly educated individuals are now seeking entry-level Grade IV government positions — including roles like office peons, helpers, and clerks.

This mass rush underscores the intense demand for job security in a climate where even top-tier qualifications fail to guarantee meaningful employment.

Highly Educated Candidates Opt for Peon Posts

Among the millions of applicants are candidates like Kamal Kishore, an MA, B.Ed, and IT diploma holder, who sees the Grade IV opening as a “viable career option.” Kiran, another applicant with a postgraduate degree who currently works in a private university, echoed similar concerns. “At least a peon job in the government ensures timely pay and job security,” she remarked.

What is even more telling is that aspirants preparing for competitive civil services exams — including IAS and RAS hopefuls — are also applying. Candidates like Tanuja Yadav and Sumitra Chaudhary, aiming for administrative services, say they would even be content “serving water in government offices” if it means having a secure position.

Technical Failures Reflect Sheer Volume of Applicants

As the last date for applications approached, the official website crashed due to overwhelming traffic. In the final five hours before the deadline, 1.11 lakh applications were submitted — putting further stress on an already anxious applicant pool.

The Rajasthan Staff Selection Commission has announced that the exam will be conducted in eight shifts, and results will be normalized to ensure fairness due to the scale of competition.

The Bigger Picture: Rajasthan’s Unemployment Challenge

According to official data, Rajasthan currently has over 18 lakh registered unemployed, although unofficial estimates put the number closer to 30 lakh. Experts blame a mismatch between education and employability, lack of industrial growth, and declining private sector opportunities.

“This is not just a Rajasthan problem — it’s a national wake-up call,” said an employment expert from a Jaipur-based think tank. “When PhDs apply for peon jobs, the system is fundamentally broken.”

Conclusion: Desperation for Stability in a Volatile Job Market

The peon job application surge is more than a numbers game — it’s a stark indicator of misplaced resources, skewed priorities in education policy, and growing desperation among the Indian youth. In a society that traditionally places great value on educational achievement, the willingness of PhD and MBA holders to work as office peons reflects a systemic failure to create adequate employment opportunities.

As India continues to project itself as a global economic powerhouse, the real challenge lies in addressing the ground realities of its job market — where even the best and brightest are scrambling for the most basic roles.