MPSC posts to break records, objective exam pattern considered: CM Fadnavis

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, that the state government is considering a substantial increase in the number of posts available through the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC). He also indicated a positive inclination towards reverting to an objective examination pattern, pending recommendations from a high-powered committee.

These statements were made to reporters in Mumbai after a state cabinet meeting, where presentations by five departments on vacant posts were reviewed. The move aims to address student demands and enhance transparency within the MPSC examination system, following widespread concerns over administrative lapses and alleged paper leaks.

Increase in MPSC Posts and Recruitment Reforms

Chief Minister Fadnavis stated that the government is working to significantly increase MPSC posts, particularly in Group C categories. He expressed confidence that the upcoming examinations would feature a record-breaking number of vacancies, surpassing previous figures. “I am confident that for the next examination, we will bring in such a large number of posts that all previous records will be broken. We have taken a decision that, for the first time, we will bring several times more posts to the MPSC than ever before,” Fadnavis said.

The government is also exploring a separate mechanism to fill vacant posts in local self-government institutions, which could be either through the MPSC or an alternative system. This initiative is part of broader efforts to simplify recruitment processes and address the backlog of vacancies across various government departments.

Consideration for Objective Examination Pattern

The government is positively considering a return to an objective examination pattern, a significant shift from the descriptive pattern currently in place. The decision to roll out the descriptive pattern was based on recommendations from the Dalvi Committee. However, a newly constituted high-powered committee on MPSC reforms has been receiving strong demands from student representatives and other stakeholders to restore the objective pattern for various examinations, including State Services, Agriculture, FSO, and Engineering services.

Fadnavis stated, “The government would consider the recommendations of a high-powered committee and would be positive about reverting to an objective examination pattern if the panel recommended it.” He added, “If the committee recommends that we should move from the descriptive pattern back to the objective pattern, or suggests any other changes, the government will be positive about accepting them.” The final decision on the examination pattern will be made after the committee submits its report.

Examination Reform Committee’s Mandate and Progress

The Examination Reform Committee, headed by senior bureaucrat V. Radha, was established to recommend thorough measures for improving the Maharashtra Public Service Commission’s (MPSC) functioning and ensuring transparency. The committee has been actively engaging with students and other stakeholders, holding detailed hearings. By Monday, September 21, 2026, the panel had received over 20,000 emails containing various suggestions.

The suggestions received by the committee include maintaining transparency in checking papers, establishing a fixed calendar for examinations and results, and developing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for question-paper distribution and the conduct of competitive exams. The panel is also tasked with examining clear norms for the normalisation of marks, procedures for examination cancellations, and measures to protect the interests of candidates who have already been selected. This committee was constituted following incidents such as the cancellation of the Drug Inspector Group-B examination in March 2026 due to an alleged paper leak, which led to the arrest of six persons, including three MPSC officials.

Written by Nishit Kumar

Nishit Kumar is a senior EdTech industry leader with over a decade of experience in building and scaling education platforms, shaping their product, content, and growth strategy. At FindMyCollege, Nishit oversees content and editorial strategy, guiding topic selection and content frameworks to ensure accuracy, relevance, and student-first value across the website.

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