There is life beyond competitive exams

Tovi V. Chishi
Dimapur

Over the years, Nagaland has often made headlines not always for the right reasons. The state continues to face challenges that demand serious reflection.

According to the Survey Report on Employment, Unemployment, Skill, and Migration in Nagaland 2025 released by the Directorate of Economics & Statistics, 71,034 candidates were registered as unemployed as of March 31, 2025. The actual figures are likely to be higher, as a significant number of unemployed individuals have not registered with the concerned department.

Leaving aside the other issues, let us focus on unemployment a deeply alarming trend, especially in a state where the literacy rate is the 3rd highest in the country. Despite this, Nagaland continues to top the unemployment chart. What could be the reasons?

Here are some of my observations:

•     Educated but not skilled: Many graduates are unable to perform basic digital tasks such as creating an email account or filling out scholarship forms.

•     Lack of industries: The absence of IT, BPO, and commerce sectors limits job opportunities for educated youth.

•     Cultural mindset: We are not business-minded by upbringing, unlike communities such as Gujaratis and Marwaris, where entrepreneurship is part of their lifestyle and passed down through generations.

•     Preference for white-collar jobs: Most young people aspire only for government jobs, considering them the only secure and respected form of employment.

There may be many other reasons, but these are some of my personal observations. Many remain unemployed because they are waiting endlessly for government jobs. Some are sincerely preparing, but the majority appear their exams just for the sake of it.

Preparation for competitive exams should start from the high school level. But in Nagaland, many begin only after graduation which is often too late. Regarding unemployed rate, it is easy to blame the government but we must also take responsibility as citizens. The truth is, no government in the world can provide government jobs to everyone.

To bring down the unemployment rate, the Government of Nagaland has an important role to play, but so do we. We must learn to look beyond government jobs. Start small that is how big things begin. Unfortunately, many of us want to start big and end up failing.

If people from other states can come to Nagaland and earn crores, why can’t we? Today, our economy is largely controlled by outsiders. Education alone is not enough without skill, knowledge has little practical value.

There is nothing wrong in dreaming big or appearing for NPSC or UPSC exams. But we must remember life does not end with competitive exams. Not everyone can or will get a government job, and that is perfectly fine.

Let us think beyond government employment. Let us stop treating government jobs as the only secure or respectable form of employment. Learn skills, create opportunities, and start something of your own. The future of our state depends not only on what the government does but also on what we, as individuals, choose to do.

“There is life beyond competitive exams, and it begins when we dare to think differently.”