MPSC Drug Inspector Exam 2026 Cancelled Over Paper Leak, Re-Exam Soon

The Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) officially announced the cancellation of the Drug Inspector Exam 2026 and the entire associated recruitment process on August 26, 2026, following a confirmed paper leak. This decision comes after a preliminary police inquiry found prima facie evidence of malpractice in the screening examination, which was originally conducted on March 22, 2026, across six divisional headquarters in Maharashtra.

The cancellation affects hundreds of candidates, including 488 who had cleared interviews and were awaiting a final merit list for the Group-B Drug Inspector posts under the Food and Drug Administration Department. MPSC has committed to conducting a fresh screening examination, assuring previously applied candidates that they will not need to submit new applications or pay additional examination fees.

Mpsc Drug Inspector 2026: Recruitment Process Halted

The MPSC’s decision to cancel the Drug Inspector recruitment process, advertised under reference 116/2025, stems from serious allegations of malpractice and a subsequent police investigation. Complaints regarding irregularities in the screening examination were received by the commission between July 22 and July 26, 2026. Following these complaints, the matter was formally referred to the Mumbai Police for inquiry on July 27, 2026.

The Mumbai Police Crime Branch’s preliminary investigation confirmed prima facie evidence of a paper leak, implicating at least one candidate. Six individuals, including a senior MPSC official (undersecretary), have been arrested in connection with the leak, highlighting the severity and organized nature of the malpractice. The initial notification for these posts was issued on July 29, 2025.

Allegations and Political Reactions to the Leak

NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar has been vocal about the paper leak, stating that his party had raised the issue with evidence well leading up to the MPSC’s official admission. Pawar claimed that the examination paper was allegedly sold across the state for ₹40 lakh through an agent racket, a fact he believes the commission was aware of. He further asserted that since 2023, at least 15 papers of various state-held exams have been leaked, raising concerns about the integrity of the examination system in Maharashtra.

“We had raised the issue with evidence, followed up with necessary actions with the investigation agencies, and today the investigation has concluded that there was indeed a paper leak,” stated Rohit Pawar. He further criticized the MPSC’s explanation, calling it “unacceptable” that the paper was available with only one student, and demanded that the commission make the inquiry report public and reveal the names of the agents involved. Pawar also called for the resignation of the MPSC chairman and secretary, advocating for the appointment of a person with a clean image to head the commission and for all future exams to be held offline.

Mpsc Drug Inspector Re-Examination and Candidate Relief

In light of the cancellation, the MPSC has announced that a fresh screening examination will be conducted for the Drug Inspector, Group-B posts. This decision aims to ensure fairness and transparency in the recruitment process. Crucially, candidates who had previously applied for the examination will not be required to submit a fresh application or pay another examination fee for the re-examination, providing significant relief to those already impacted by the delay and uncertainty.

The commission has not yet announced the specific dates for the fresh screening examination. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official MPSC website for updates regarding the new schedule and any further instructions. The MPSC’s commitment to a re-examination underscores its efforts to restore faith in the recruitment system following this significant breach of integrity.

Mpsc Drug Inspector Recruitment 2026 Timeline

Written by Simran

Simran is currently working as a Senior Content Writer at Findmycollege , where she creates engaging and research-driven learning resources for students. She has completed her Graduation in Journalism from Delhi University. With 4 years of experience in the EdTech industry, she has previously contributed to leading platforms like Leverage Edu and Aakash. Her expertise lies in simplifying Engineering and Medical entrance exam content to guide aspirants in their preparation journey. Beyond writing, Simran enjoys sketching, watching movies, and finding creative inspiration in everyday life.

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