MPSC postpones 2026 State Services and engineering exams after leak protests

What Happened

Maharashtra Public Service Commission has delayed the State Services Main exam that was to be held on Oct 3, 2026, following candidate protests over a purported question‑paper leak. The body also pushed back the Maharashtra Civil Engineering Main exam for 2026 and the Maharashtra Group‑B (Non‑Gazetted) Main exam. In addition, it ordered a fresh review of answer sheets for the 2025 State Services Main exam after objections were raised about their grading. Protesters had also voiced concerns about a suspected leak in the drug‑inspector test and about the commission’s overall conduct of exams. The commission said it received written pleas from students, parents, student groups and elected officials asking for the postponement. A senior‑level committee led by bureaucrat V Radha is currently examining the existing examination framework, having consulted candidates and looked at best practices elsewhere. The panel is expected to hand over its recommendations soon. The commission will release the new dates for all three postponed exams in a later notification.

Context

The MPSC conducts recruitment exams for Maharashtra’s civil services and technical posts. Delays such as these are unusual and usually stem from strong pressure by aspirants. The review panel aims to overhaul the testing process to address such concerns.