Madhya Pradesh is witnessing an extraordinary rush for a single career opportunity that highlights the depth of the state’s employment crisis. The recruitment for police constables, long awaited after years of delay, has attracted a record-breaking 9.76 lakh applications for just 7,500 vacancies. This means roughly 13,000 candidates are competing for every single post, turning what was once considered a badge of honor into a lifeline for survival.
Traditionally, the khaki uniform has been a symbol of pride and discipline. Today, it has come to represent hope, stability, and dignity for thousands of job seekers struggling in a challenging job market. While the minimum educational requirement for the post is a 10th-grade pass, the applicant pool tells a different story. Among the applicants are 42 PhD holders, over 12,000 engineers, countless postgraduates, and diploma holders — all vying for a job that offers a monthly salary ranging from Rs 19,500 to Rs 62,000.
The Madhya Pradesh Staff Selection Board opened the online application process on September 15, 2025. It was originally scheduled to close on September 29, but the overwhelming response forced officials to extend the deadline until October 6. The sheer volume of applications highlights both the aspirations and the struggles of a generation seeking secure employment. 
The written examination will begin on October 30, followed by a rigorous physical test conducted by the Madhya Pradesh Police. If the process continues as planned, the state expects to induct 7,500 new constables by May or June next year.
The examinations will be conducted online at centers spread across 11 districts, including Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Khandwa, Neemuch, Rewa, Ratlam, Sagar, Satna, Sidhi and Ujjain.
