Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on September 2, 2026, that the state government plans to recruit between 15,000 and 20,000 more youths into the Assam Police force. The announcement signals a major push towards bolstering law enforcement and creating substantial employment opportunities across the state.
This significant initiative forms a crucial part of the state government’s broader ‘Mission 2 Lakh Govt Jobs‘, an ambitious programme aimed at generating two lakh government jobs over the next five years. The recruitment drive is expected to strengthen the police force’s capabilities while addressing youth unemployment in Assam.
What was announced
Chief Minister Sarma made the announcement during a passing-out parade at the Lachit Borphukan Police Academy (LBPA) in Dergaon on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. He emphasised that the planned recruitment would integrate a large number of young men and women into the state’s police force.
During his address, the Chief Minister also articulated the government’s long-term vision to transform the Assam Police into a “zero-vacancy” force, ensuring all available posts are filled. This commitment underscores a proactive approach to maintaining optimal staffing levels within the police department.
Why it matters
The recruitment of 15,000 to 20,000 new personnel is a substantial step towards fulfilling the government’s electoral promise of providing two lakh government jobs within five years. This will significantly boost employment for the state’s youth, offering stable and respectable career paths in public service.
Beyond employment generation, the initiative is critical for enhancing Assam’s law enforcement capabilities. A strengthened police force is expected to improve the state’s capacity to combat crime, maintain law and order, and intensify its ongoing fight against drug trafficking. Chief Minister Sarma highlighted the Assam Police’s success in seizing narcotics valued at approximately Rs 3,254 crore and apprehending 26,537 drug traffickers over the past five years.
The Chief Minister also noted a significant decline in the state’s crime rate, from 379 per one lakh population in 2021 to 116 per one lakh population by July 2024. He added that registered cases had fallen from 1,33,239 to around 25,000, with the charge-sheet rate rising to 86.85 per cent and the conviction rate nearing 30 per cent.
Background
This massive recruitment drive is a cornerstone of the Assam government’s flagship “Mission 2 Lakh Govt Jobs,” which Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched to create two lakh government jobs across various departments, autonomous bodies, and societies within five years. The mission was conceptualised following the BJP-led alliance’s renewed mandate in the April 2026 Assembly polls.
The government has a track record of fulfilling and exceeding its employment pledges. Prior to the 2026 elections, the administration had provided over 1.64 lakh government jobs, surpassing its earlier commitment of one lakh jobs. These appointments were reportedly conducted with transparency and merit-based selection, marking a departure from past practices.
In a related development, the state government had announced the creation of 4,000 new police posts in November 2025, further demonstrating its commitment to strengthening the police force. Additionally, to broaden opportunities for aspirants, the maximum age limit for Assam Police recruitment was increased from 25 to 26 years in January 2026.
Key details
The recruitment plan aims to induct between 15,000 and 20,000 new police personnel. Chief Minister Sarma highlighted that the state had already recruited approximately 21,000 police officers and constables over the past five years through a fair and merit-based process, contributing to a “youth-led force.”
This recruitment is part of an ongoing, phased plan designed to be implemented within the five-year timeline of the ‘Mission 2 Lakh Govt Jobs’ initiative. Specific application dates and detailed eligibility criteria for these new posts are yet to be officially notified.
What’s next
Following the announcement, Chief Minister Sarma indicated that a two-day conference involving senior superintendents of police (SSPs) would be held on Wednesday and Thursday (September 2-3, 2026) in Dergaon. Discussions during this conference are slated to cover critical issues including law and order, fresh recruitments, strategies to combat drugs, and measures against crimes targeting women and children.
This conference is expected to lay the groundwork for the operationalisation of the recruitment drive. Aspirants are advised to monitor official channels for forthcoming detailed notifications regarding the application process, eligibility requirements, and timelines.
Sources & References
Source: Assam Chief Minister’s Announcement on Police Recruitment