MPSC postpones 3 exams amid student protests, re-evaluation of 2025 Mains answer sheets
The Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) has postponed three major examinations scheduled for 2026 amid growing concerns among aspirants over the evaluation process, examination-related controversies, and demands for greater transparency in recruitment.
The commission has deferred the State Services Main Examination 2026, which was scheduled to begin on October 3.
The commission has also postponed the Maharashtra Civil Engineering Main Examination 2026 and the Maharashtra Group-B (Non-Gazetted) Main Examination 2026.
MPSC said it will announce revised dates for all three examinations separately.
Why has MPSC postponed the exams?
The commission said the decision followed representations from students, parents, student organisations and elected representatives seeking postponement of the State Services Main Examination.
A key factor is the controversy surrounding the evaluation of the Maharashtra State Services Main Examination 2025.
According to MPSC, several students and student organisations had raised objections regarding the evaluation of answer sheets.
The commission has consequently decided to conduct a re-evaluation of the 2025 State Services Main answer sheets.
MPSC said the re-evaluation process is likely to delay the examination cycle, prompting the decision to postpone the 2026 examinations.
Three examinations postponed
The examinations affected by Monday's decision are:
- Maharashtra State Services Main Examination 2026, scheduled from October 3
- Maharashtra Civil Engineering Main Examination 2026
- Maharashtra Group-B (Non-Gazetted) Main Examination 2026
MPSC has not announced fresh dates for the examinations. Candidates will have to wait for a separate notification from the commission.
Paper-leak controversy adds to pressure
The postponement comes against the backdrop of wider unrest among MPSC aspirants over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations.
A separate controversy erupted over the Drug Inspector examination, after allegations of a question-paper leak triggered protests and demands for greater accountability.
Reports have said the controversy has also led to calls for action against senior officials of the commission.
However, the MPSC's stated explanation for postponing the three 2026 examinations centres on the re-evaluation of the 2025 State Services Main answer sheets, the expected delay arising from that process and representations seeking postponement.
Government committee reviewing MPSC system
The Maharashtra government has also constituted a high-level committee headed by Additional Chief Secretary V Radha to examine the state's examination and recruitment system.
The committee has been consulting students and other stakeholders on concerns including examination schedules, evaluation procedures, transparency and recruitment delays.
Reports said the panel had received more than 20,000 emails and representations from aspirants and other stakeholders.
There has also been strong demand among aspirants for changes to the existing descriptive examination format.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently said the committee had received substantial feedback favouring a return to an objective, multiple-choice format.
What should MPSC aspirants do now?
- Do not assume the postponement means cancellation: MPSC has said the three examinations have been postponed, not cancelled. Fresh dates are awaited.
- Keep preparing: Do not pause preparation as the exams have been postponed, not cancelled.
- Revise the syllabus: Use the additional time to revisit core topics and strengthen weaker areas.
- Practise more: Attempt previous-year papers, mock tests and timed answer-writing exercises.
- Track MPSC updates: Regularly check the official MPSC website for revised exam dates and instructions.
- Follow the re-evaluation process: Keep track of updates on the re-evaluation of 2025 State Services Mains answer sheets.
- Stay exam-ready: Keep documents, application details and other required materials ready so you can act once fresh dates are announced.