After protests by aspirants, MPSC postpones computer-based recruitment exam to 2027; Group C preliminary round to be held in OMR mode

Mumbai, July 16 (IANS) The Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) has postponed the introduction of computer-based testing in the Group C recruitment examination to July 2027 following protests by aspirants. The preliminary examination of 2026 will be conducted in offline OMR mode with revised examination dates, extension of application deadline and new instructions for selecting examination centres.

The Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) has postponed the implementation of the computer-based test (CBT) format for its Group C recruitment examination to July 2027, following weeks of protests by competitive examination candidates across the country. The decision marks a major reversal of policy and brings relief to thousands of candidates who had expressed concerns about the immediate transition to online exams.With the rollback, the Maharashtra Group C Services Joint Preliminary Examination 2026 will now be conducted in the traditional offline OMR format instead of the proposed computer-based mode.

MPSC delays CBT implementation

The National Certification and Accreditation Administration issued an errata on July 16, announcing that the CBT system will not be introduced in the Group C recruitment examination before July 2027. The decision follows continued opposition from graduate students who feel the existing digital ecosystem is not adequately prepared for such a shift.Candidates, especially those from rural and remote areas, expressed concerns about unequal access to computer facilities, internet connectivity and familiarity with the online exam system. Some aspirants have also questioned the transparency of computer-based recruitment exams citing irregularities in some online exams conducted by different institutions in recent years.

Revised MPSC Group C Exam Timetable

Following this decision, the exam schedule was revised.

The revised timetable provides candidates with more preparation time while ensuring that the recruitment process continues through the traditional examination system.

Application deadline extended

While revising the exam schedule, the board has also extended important application deadlines.

MPSC has stopped payment of fees through challan, making online payment the only option available.The Commission has also directed candidates who have submitted their applications to log in to the MPSC portal between July 19 and July 31 and select their preferred regional examination centre. Candidates who do not select a center within the stipulated period will be allotted a center as per the correspondence address mentioned in the application.

Why do aspirants oppose the CBT model?

The proposed shift to computer-based exams has triggered widespread protests by competitive exam aspirants in Maharashtra.Students feel that introducing CBT without strengthening digital infrastructure will create an unfair playing field, especially for candidates from rural areas. They also called for greater transparency in online recruitment exams, pointing to previous controversies involving technical glitches, outsourced testing agencies and standardization of scores.Many aspirants insist that any transition to online exams should be gradual and supported by strong infrastructure, standardized procedures and transparent assessment mechanisms.

Government steps in after protests

The decision to postpone the introduction of CBT came after a meeting of senior officials chaired by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The meeting included MPSC Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar, Chief Secretary and other senior officials of the General Administration Department.The government’s intervention comes as a result of growing pressure from students and aspirants, who have asked the board to insist on offline exams until appropriate safety measures are put in place.

Aspirants appreciate the move

Aspirants of competitive exams have largely appreciated the move by the board. While acknowledging that the rollback is a major relief, some aspirants are urging the government to make the decision permanent unless the MPSC is equipped to independently conduct secure and transparent online examinations without extensive reliance on private institutions or complex score standardization methods.The latest decision is expected to ease the concerns of thousands of candidates preparing for the Group C recruitment exam while providing the board with more time to strengthen the technical and administrative framework required for the future transition to computer-based testing.