MPSC postpones State Services Main Exam 2026, orders re-evaluation of 2025 answer sheets

The Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) has taken several key decisions for candidates preparing for competitive examinations. The commission has postponed the State Services Main Examination 2026, which was to begin on October 3, 2026. The answer sheets of the State Services Main Examination 2025 will also be re-evaluated.

Several students and student organisations had lodged objections with the MPSC over the evaluation process for the State Services Main Examination 2025. After considering these objections, the commission decided to re-evaluate the answer sheets of that examination. In a press note, the commission said the re-evaluation could prolong the remaining process for the 2025 main examination. The decision matters to candidates awaiting the result of that examination.

Students, parents, student organisations and some elected representatives had demanded that the State Services Main Examination 2026, due to start on October 3, 2026, be postponed. The commission had received requests to this effect. The state government has set up a high-level committee to review the examination systems currently in use in the state. According to the commission, the committee has spoken to examinees and other stakeholders across the state and studied several better practices. The commission said the committee's recommendations on an ideal examination system are expected soon.

Along with the State Services Main Examination 2026, the Maharashtra Civil Engineering Services Main Examination 2026 and the Maharashtra Group B (Non-Gazetted) Main Examination 2026 have also been postponed. The commission said the decision was taken after fully considering all relevant matters. Candidates preparing for these three examinations will now have to wait for a revised timetable. The MPSC said the new dates will be announced separately and asked candidates to watch for its further official notices.

Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MLA Aaditya Thackeray reacted to the decision. He thanked Governor Jishnu Dev Varma for the postponement of the State Services Main Examination 2026. Thackeray wrote on X that the demand of young people across Maharashtra, which he had placed before the Governor, had been accepted. He also said he hoped that, like this decision, the resignation of the head of the state services commission would be taken immediately.

Overall, the MPSC's decision has changed the examination schedule for candidates of the State Services Main Examination 2026, the Civil Engineering Main Examination and the Group B Main Examination. The re-evaluation of the 2025 State Services Main Examination answer sheets could also prolong the remaining process for that examination.