MPSC paper leak: Vivek Bhimanwar on leave, Tukaram Mundhe to probe committee

In short

MPSC Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar went on leave on October 12, 2026, during an inquiry into alleged paper leaks.
Tukaram Mundhe was appointed secretary of the five-member committee probing the MPSC examination irregularities.
The inquiry committee, chaired by retired Bombay High Court Chief Justice Dilip Bhosale, has two months to submit its report.
The decision followed an 11-day protest by MPSC aspirants in Pune, led by NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar and Congress leader Vishwajeet Kadam.
The state government agreed to withdraw cases filed against students during the protests as part of the settlement.

Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar went on leave on Monday, October 12, 2026, amidst an ongoing inquiry into an alleged government recruitment exam paper leak. Concurrently, Tukaram Mundhe, currently the Food and Drug Administration Commissioner, has been appointed secretary of the committee tasked with probing the leak and other alleged irregularities in MPSC examinations.

The developments followed an 11-day protest by MPSC aspirants in Pune, which intensified after allegations of a question paper leak in the Drug Inspector examination held in March. The agitation, led by NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar and Congress leader Vishwajeet Kadam, concluded after the state government agreed to the formation of an inquiry panel and the MPSC chairman’s temporary removal from office.

Inquiry Committee Formed to Review MPSC Functioning

The state government announced the formation of a five-member inquiry committee, to be chaired by retired Bombay High Court Chief Justice Dilip Bhosale. This committee is tasked with reviewing the MPSC’s functioning and examination processes, identifying shortcomings, and recommending reforms to improve transparency and address alleged irregularities, including paper leaks. The committee has been given two months to submit its report.

The members of the inquiry committee include Justice P.D. Naik, administrative officer Tukaram Mundhe, retired secretary Ganesh Patil, and Inspector General of Police Lakshmi Gautam. The government has also agreed to investigate all examinations where paper leaks were reported, as part of the draft accepted following discussions with the protesting student leaders.

Vivek Bhimanwar Goes on Leave Amidst Probe

MPSC Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar announced his decision to go on leave via a statement on X on October 12, 2026. He cited his commitment to morality and stated his intent to remain away from office until the completion of the inquiry into the alleged paper leak case. Bhimanwar emphasized that the autonomy, credibility, and welfare of MPSC students have always been, and will remain, a priority.

This decision aligns with one of the key demands of the protesting MPSC aspirants, who had called for the removal or resignation of the chairman. PWD Minister Shivendraraje Bhosle announced the government’s acceptance of this condition at the protest site in Pune on Sunday night, October 11, 2026, after holding discussions with MLA Rohit Pawar and MLA Vishwajeet Kadam.

Protest Settlement and Government Concessions

The two-week-long protest in Pune, which lasted for 11 days, concluded after the state government made several concessions. Besides forming the inquiry committee and sending the MPSC chairman on leave, the government also agreed to withdraw cases filed against students during the protests. NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar hailed the outcome as a victory for the students’ unity, determination, and perseverance, expressing hope that the committee would have the freedom to work properly.

The agitation had gained momentum following allegations of a question paper leak in the Drug Inspector examination held in March, among other reported irregularities in government recruitment exams. The settlement aims to address the long-standing concerns of MPSC aspirants regarding transparency and fairness in the examination process.