Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) to remove optional subject from state services main exam from 2027

Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) has announced a major change in the state services main exam pattern. From the 2027 exam, candidates will no longer have to choose an optional subject as the board has decided to remove it from the exam syllabus.In a press release issued on June 25, the commission said that candidates currently appearing for the Maharashtra Civil Services Main Examination (Group A and Group B) have to write two papers in an optional subject. However, this requirement will end after the 2027 exam.Explaining the decision, MPSC said that the civil service commissions of states like Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have already removed optional subjects from their state services main examination. “Instead, they have adopted a more uniform and standardized evaluation system,” the commission said.After a review of all aspects, the commission said it has decided to introduce a similar pattern in Maharashtra. Under the revised scheme, candidates will have to appear for seven compulsory papers. These include Marathi and English papers, one essay paper in Marathi or English and four general studies papers.Language papers will continue to be qualifying, and candidates must obtain at least 25 percent of the marks. The written exam will have 1,250 points, while the interview will continue with 275 points, for a total of 1,525 points.The commission also said that the detailed scheme of revised examination will be published separately on its official website.MPSC clarified that this change is applicable only for state services main exam. The optional subject will continue for the Maharashtra Forest Service Main Examination. He also said that there will be no change in the existing examination patterns for Maharashtra Civil Engineering and Electrical Engineering Services, Maharashtra Agriculture Services, Food and Drug Administration Services, Maharashtra Veterinary Services and Statutory Metrology Inspector Main Examinations.