MPSC Group C combined prelims now for 16,717 posts, exam moved to January 24, 2027

Lakhs of candidates awaiting the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) "Maharashtra Group C Services Combined Preliminary Examination-2026" have received big news. The state government has sharply increased the number of posts for the examination, which will now be held for 16,717 posts. The official corrigendum has been put up on the commission's website.

The unprecedented increase in posts rests on two grounds: the recommendations of the high-level committee the state government formed to make the recruitment process transparent and secure, and additional requisitions received from various departments.

The number of posts has grown in stages. The first advertisement, issued on June 25, 2026, had only 2,619 posts. The first corrigendum of July 22, 2026 added 3,088 new posts, taking the total to 5,707. The latest decision, dated November 6, 2026, adds 11,010 more posts, taking the total to 16,717.

Candidates have also received relief on age. Under a Government Resolution (GR) of the General Administration Department dated November 5, 2026, the upper age limit for entering government service has been relaxed by one year. All eligible candidates for this examination will benefit.

Because of the increase in posts, new candidates will also be able to apply. They can submit a fresh application on the commission's website between November 13 and 27, 2026. Those who have already applied need not file a new application. They only have to submit an option form for the newly added cadres.

As the application process has needed more time, the commission has also changed the date of the preliminary examination. It was earlier to be held on January 3, 2027 and will now be held on January 24, 2027.

The format of the examination has not changed. A single combined preliminary examination for all cadres will be held offline, using the OMR method. It will be conducted according to the official syllabus issued on November 15, 2022.

On the main examination, the commission has clarified that for posts requiring a general educational qualification, the main examination will follow the prescribed syllabus. For the new cadres that require a specific educational qualification, a separate main examination will be held. Its syllabus will be put up on the MPSC website soon.