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Maharashtra Public Service Commission Defers Three Major Exams Amid Evaluation Concerns and Protests
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Postponement of Scheduled Exams
The Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) deferred three state-level examinations originally set to begin on October 3, 2026: the State Services Main Examination 2026, the Maharashtra Civil Engineering Services Main Examination 2026, and the Maharashtra Group-B (Non-Gazetted) Main Examination 2026. Revised dates will be announced later.
Background of the Dispute
The deferment follows objections over the evaluation of answer sheets for the State Services Main Examination 2025 and protests after an alleged question-paper leak in the MPSC Drug Inspector screening held on March 22 for 154 posts. The Mumbai Crime Branch is investigating; 11 arrests have been reported, including four on September 24.
Key Figures and Stakeholders
- V Radha – senior bureaucrat heading the high-level committee reviewing the examination system.
- Aaditya Thackeray – Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA who wrote to Governor Jishnu Dev Varma on September 25 requesting postponement until the committee’s recommendations are implemented.
- Abhijeet Dipke – convenor of the Cockroach Janta Party, calling for MPSC chairman Vivek Bhimanwar’s resignation.
- Vivek Bhimanwar – MPSC chairman, denying calls for his resignation and stating the leak occurred before his tenure.
Timeline of Recent Developments
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| March 22 | Drug Inspector exam; alleged leak reported. |
| Sept 7 | Initial aspirant protest in Pune. |
| Sept 20 | Interaction in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar; criticism of CM Devendra Fadnavis. |
| Sept 24 | Four additional arrests, total 11. |
| Sept 25 | Thackeray’s letter to the governor. |
| Sept 26 | Organisers moved sit-in to Oct 2. |
| Oct 3 | Original start date for the three exams (now postponed). |
| Nov 1 | End of the State Services Main Examination 2026 window (now postponed). |
Quantitative Highlights
- 3 examinations postponed.
- 154 posts advertised in the Drug Inspector exam.
- 11 arrests linked to the leak.
- Committee has received over 20,000 representations.
- 438 candidates had qualified for the next stage of the State Services Main Examination 2025 before interview schedules were delayed.
Official Statements & Responses
MPSC said it postponed the exams after considering representations from students, parents and elected officials and will re-evaluate the 2025 answer sheets, which will delay recruitment. Governor Jishnu Dev Varma has not commented publicly, though his approval was sought. Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar rejected resignation demands, noting the leak pre-dated his appointment.
Criticism & Opposition
Aaditya Thackeray urged deferral until the reform panel’s recommendations are implemented and called for age-relaxation for candidates affected by the delay. Abhijeet Dipke demanded accountability for the leak and the chairperson’s resignation.
On-the-Ground Reports
Aspirants in Pune plan a peaceful “satyagraha” on Oct 2 after police denied permission for a protest scheduled on Sept 27. Local leaders, including NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar, have voiced support while stressing the agitation’s non-political nature.
Impact and Outlook
The deferment creates uncertainty for thousands awaiting civil-service appointments. The V Radha committee is expected to submit recommendations on an “ideal examination system” soon, which could reshape exam formats, evaluation methods and security protocols. Revised dates remain pending; candidates should await official MPSC notifications.