Maharashtra chief minister stalls shift to computer-based MPSC exams after backlash
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the state will keep using offline OMR sheets for MPSC recruitment tests, halting plans to move to computer-based testing.
Facing criticism from civil-service aspirants, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed that Maharashtra will continue conducting MPSC recruitment exams with the traditional offline OMR sheets, rejecting any immediate move to a computer-based format. He asserted that MPSC chairperson Vivek Bhimanwar's comments were distorted and that no official announcement of an online shift had been issued. The MPSC had earlier announced a plan to adopt CBTs for Group A, B and C cadres starting in 2027, a proposal that sparked concerns over technical glitches, private-centre malpractice and poor rural connectivity.
In response, the commission postponed the CBT transition to July 2027 and suspended the planned online Group-C prelims for 2026. Fadnavis added that any future changes would be discussed with candidates before implementation. Student groups continue to demand retention of the OMR system until reliable digital testing facilities are available across all districts.
Why it matters
The decision affects thousands of Maharashtra civil-service candidates and highlights challenges in digitising public examinations.
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