Mahajyoti screening test cancelled at Pune's Ambegaon Budruk centre after computer shortage, glitches

The screening test of the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Research and Training Institute (Mahajyoti) ran into major trouble today at its Ambegaon Budruk centre in Pune. The test is held for pre-training for various competitive examinations. Students complained that the centre did not have enough computers, that technical problems arose and that they could not take the test on time. A large crowd of students then gathered outside the centre and voiced their anger.

According to Mahajyoti's official notice, the screening test for the 2026-27 competitive exam pre-training has been scheduled between October 7 and 9, 2026. But at the Ambegaon Budruk centre the test did not begin at the scheduled time, causing students considerable loss. It is learnt that the test at this centre was eventually cancelled because of the complaints about the lack of computers and the disruption.

Mahajyoti gives students from economically and socially disadvantaged sections a chance at pre-training for competitive examinations such as UPSC, MPSC, SSC, banking and railway exams. Students prepare for days for such tests, so it is a serious matter if a student is deprived of the test because of flaws in planning at the centre. It is being demanded that students' futures not be played with.

It is also being demanded that there be a fair, high-level inquiry into the entire Ambegaon centre matter, that responsibility for the centre be fixed, and that strict action be taken against any individuals or institutions found guilty. It has also been said that no student who could not take the test at the Ambegaon centre should suffer a loss. The demand is that the test at that centre be held again separately, or that all affected students be given an equal second chance. Mahajyoti's administration should give a written assurance that this technical glitch will have no adverse effect on the test results.

MLA Rohit Pawar has also raised the students' issue. OBC leader Vijay Wadettiwar is reported to have spoken to Mahajyoti's managing director about it. It is claimed that Mahajyoti's management said the Ambegaon centre's test would be cancelled and further action taken.

The demand is that Mahajyoti not stop at cancelling the test but clarify its position immediately. This includes an inquiry into the technical failure at the Ambegaon centre, fixing responsibility for the choice and arrangements of the test centre, releasing an official list of all affected students, and ensuring that students suffer no financial loss. The date, time and centre for the fresh test should also be announced as soon as possible. To prevent such incidents in future, all test centres should be technically inspected.