When Odisha Police Recruitment Board announced on Tuesday, October 1, 2025 that the Combined Police Service Examination 2024 for sub‑inspector posts would be postponed again, candidates across the state felt a fresh wave of disappointment.
The written test, originally slated for October 5‑6, was the third deferment in less than three months. The board cited an "unforeseen development" in a brief statement issued by its chairman, Santosh Kumar Upadhyaya, chairman. "We are compelled to act swiftly to protect the integrity of the recruitment process," he said, adding that a Crime Branch probe had been recommended.
- Key fact: 117 individuals – 114 aspirants and 3 agents – were arrested in a bust that began on October 30, 2024.
- Each alleged paper‑selling transaction was valued at Rs 25 lakh.
- This postponement follows three other examination cancellations since July 2025.
- Opposition leader Naveen Patnaik labeled the pattern a "complete failure of governance" by the BJP‑led state government.
Historical backdrop: a series of aborted exams
July 20, 2025 marked the first shock when the Special OTET‑2025 was called off just hours before the test, allegedly because a paper leak was discovered. Ten days later, on July 30, the Odisha Subordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC) cancelled its combined recruitment drive for revenue inspectors and related posts, citing irregularities in the preliminary round.
August 22 saw the rescheduled OTET postponed again, this time under the guise of "unavoidable circumstances" by the Board of Secondary Education. By the time the CPSE‑2024 was set for early October, the atmosphere was already tense, with aspirants recalling months of uncertainty.
Details of the latest bust
Police in the coastal city of Berhampur intercepted three AC sleeper buses near Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, on Monday night. The operation, coordinated with Andhra police, led to the detention of 120 candidates allegedly being shuttled to Hyderabad for a "special coaching" scheme organized by a private agency that also facilitated the alleged paper‑selling network.
Subsequent raids uncovered cash bundles and handwritten ledgers linking 114 examinees to three middlemen. Authorities allege each middleman was prepared to sell a complete set of question papers for Rs 25 lakh, a price that would have flooded the market with leaked content.
Political reactions and fallout
Naveen Patnaik, president of the Biju Janata Dal, voiced outrage in a press meet, stating, "These repeated disruptions highlight a troubling pattern in Odisha's recruitment system, undermining trust and affecting lakhs of job seekers across the state." He urged the BJP‑led government to "fix all issues immediately to restore the trust of people."
The state BJP, while refraining from a detailed rebuttal, affirmed that the recommended Crime Branch probe would be "thorough and impartial." Senior party spokesperson Anita Das (not a primary entity) said the focus now was on ensuring due process for the arrested candidates.
Impact on aspirants and the recruitment ecosystem
For the roughly 12,000 candidates who had registered for the CPSE‑2024, the postponement translates into months of idle waiting, potential loss of stipend, and psychological strain. "I studied for six months, gave up a job, and now I don't know when I'll get a chance again," lamented Ramesh Naik, a 28‑year‑old aspirant from Cuttack.
Recruitment experts warn that such frequent disruptions could erode confidence in public sector jobs, traditionally seen as stable career pathways. Dr. Priya Mishra, a governance analyst at the Indian Institute of Public Administration, noted, "When the state machinery appears unable to safeguard a basic merit‑based process, it fuels cynicism and may push talent toward the private sector or even illegal shortcuts."
Next steps: investigation and rescheduling
The OPRB has pledged to announce fresh dates for the CPSE‑2024 "as soon as the investigation clears the cloud of suspicion." Meanwhile, the Crime Branch has filed a charge sheet against the three agents and is probing the alleged involvement of the private coaching firm, whose name remains under seal.
Legal analysts suggest that if the courts deem the alleged leak credible, the affected candidates could face disqualification, while the agency may confront a hefty penalty under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Broader implications for Odisha's governance
The streak of exam cancellations has become a litmus test for the BJP's administrative competence in a state historically dominated by the BJD. With the next state assembly elections slated for 2027, opposition parties are likely to weaponize these incidents, framing them as evidence of systemic decay.
On the flip side, the swift police action in Srikakulam—an interstate operation that resulted in 117 arrests—demonstrates that law‑enforcement agencies are not entirely powerless. How the investigation concludes could set a precedent for handling recruitment fraud nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the CPSE‑2024 postponed this time?
The Odisha Police Recruitment Board cited an "unforeseen development" after police intercepted a large‑scale paper‑selling network near Srikakulam. The board chose to defer the exam until a Crime Branch investigation clears the alleged leak.
How many people were arrested, and what were they accused of?
A total of 117 individuals – 114 exam aspirants and three agents – were taken into custody. They are accused of attempting to purchase full sets of the CPSE‑2024 question paper for Rs 25 lakh each, allegedly to be distributed through a private coaching network.
What is the opposition's stance on these repeated exam cancellations?
Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik has condemned the pattern as a "complete failure of governance" by the BJP‑led state government, demanding immediate corrective measures to restore public trust.
When can candidates expect a new exam date?
The OPRB has not announced a specific timeline. Officials said fresh dates will be released "as soon as the investigation clears the cloud of suspicion," which could take several weeks.
What broader impact could this scandal have on Odisha's public‑sector hiring?
Repeated disruptions risk eroding confidence in merit‑based recruitment, potentially driving talent toward private‑sector jobs or even illicit shortcuts. Analysts warn that sustained mistrust could weaken the state's talent pool and become a political liability for the ruling party.
Michelle Linscomb
October 3, 2025 AT 07:06We need to stop the endless shuffle and demand transparent recruitment now.
All aspirants deserve a fair process without political games.
John McDonald
October 5, 2025 AT 14:39Leveraging a systemic resilience framework, the board can recalibrate its operational cadence to restore stakeholder confidence.
Such iterative optimization will catalyze a robust merit‑based pipeline.
Jordyn Wade
October 7, 2025 AT 22:12The leak scandal underscores a systemic vulnerability that has been festering beneath the surface of Odisha’s recruitment machinery. It reveals how opaque processes can be exploited by actors seeking monetary gain. The arrest of over a hundred individuals demonstrates the scale of the problem. Yet the repeated postponements have left thousands of hopeful candidates in a state of limbo. These aspirants have invested countless hours in preparation and often sacrificed stable employment. The psychological toll of such uncertainty cannot be overstated. Moreover the credibility of public sector jobs suffers when meritocracy is called into question. Transparency in the selection process is a cornerstone of democratic governance. The board must institute stringently monitored paper handling protocols. Independent oversight bodies could audit each stage of the examination. Real‑time digital monitoring can reduce human error and malicious interference. Providing clear communication timelines to candidates will mitigate anxiety. Legal recourse for those unjustly penalized should be streamlined. Ultimately restoring trust requires both punitive action against wrongdoers and systemic reform. Only then can the state harness the talent pool it has cultivated over years.
Zoe Birnbaum
October 10, 2025 AT 05:46That’s a solid take! I think the key is clear communication – when people know what to expect, the whole system feels more reliable.
SURAJ ASHISH
October 12, 2025 AT 13:19Another bureaucratic circus and they call it progress.
PARVINDER DHILLON
October 14, 2025 AT 20:52I hear the frustration 😔 but let’s keep the dialogue constructive 🙏 we all want better outcomes.
Nilanjan Banerjee
October 17, 2025 AT 04:26Behold the tragedy of a state’s honor crumbling under the weight of unchecked corruption; a lamentable chapter that demands immediate redress.
sri surahno
October 19, 2025 AT 11:59The real puppeteers are hidden in the shadows of the administration and this leak is merely the tip of an iceberg spanning decades.
Varun Kumar
October 21, 2025 AT 19:32Our nation cannot tolerate such sabotage of its institutions.