For many power sector job seekers in Karnataka, success hinges on a single, daunting task: Climbing an 8-metre concrete pole. This is eliminating 80% of aspirants before they can even prove their academic worth.
Introduced in 2015, this test, which is non-negotiable regardless of gender, has become a stumbling block for those applying for junior station attendant and junior powerman positions in Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited and five electricity supply companies, sparking protests.

Not all sub-divisions of these companies have the necessary pole-climbing equipment.
“While candidates from north Karnataka, familiar with tree climbing, show better performance, those from south Karnataka, who view pole climbing as a social stigma, often struggle,” said an official. The challenge has become so tough that energy department revised its policy in 2014, lowering educational qualifications from 12th pass/ITI diploma to SSLC/10th pass to expand the talent pool.