The Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) has announced the postponement of the State Services Main Examination for 2026, which was initially set for October 3. This decision is part of ongoing disruptions within the commission.

In addition to the State Services exam, the MPSC has also delayed the Maharashtra Civil Engineering Main Examination and the Maharashtra Group-B (Non-Gazetted) Main Examination. New dates for these assessments will be provided at a later time.

Furthermore, the MPSC has opted to re-evaluate the answer sheets from the State Services Main Examination held in 2025. This action follows protests led by candidates concerning a purported question paper leak associated with the drug inspector examination and broader concerns regarding the commission’s examination processes.

In a statement, the MPSC noted, “Numerous student organizations and individuals have raised concerns regarding the evaluation of the answer sheets from the Maharashtra State Services Main Examination 2025. In response to these objections, the Commission has decided to proceed with a re-evaluation of the answer sheets,” indicating that this might lead to delays in the examination schedule.

The MPSC has established a high-level committee, chaired by senior bureaucrat V Radha, to review the current examination framework. This committee has been actively consulting with candidates and stakeholders and is examining best practices to develop recommendations for an improved examination system, which are anticipated soon.

Regarding the postponement of the State Services Main Examination 2026, the commission stated, “We have received requests from various students, parents, student organizations, and several respected elected officials, urging the postponement of the examination originally planned for October 3.”

As a result of the feedback received, the MPSC has also decided to delay the Maharashtra Civil Engineering Main Examination 2026 and the Maharashtra Group-B (Non-Gazetted) Main Examination.

Aaditya Thackeray, a leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), mentioned that his party had requested Governor Jishnu Dev Varma to postpone the examination, and this appeal was granted. He expressed hope that the Governor would also consider seeking the resignation of the MPSC chairman.

(With contributions from PTI)