The Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) has postponed the implementation of the Computer Based Test (CBT) mode for its Group C recruitment exams till July 2027, following weeks of protests by aspirants across the state. The decision marks a major policy reversal and provides relief to thousands of candidates who had raised concerns about the immediate transition to online exams.With the rollback, the Maharashtra Group C Services Preliminary Combined Examination 2026 will now be conducted in the traditional offline OMR-based format instead of the proposed computer-based mode.
MPSC postpones implementation of CBT
The commission issued a rectification on July 16 announcing that the CBT system will not be introduced for Group C recruitment examinations before July 2027. The decision came after sustained opposition from the aspirants, who argued that the existing digital ecosystem was not adequately prepared for such a transition.Candidates, especially from rural and remote regions, had expressed concern over unequal access to computer facilities, internet connectivity and familiarity with online examination systems. Several aspirants also questioned the transparency of the computer-based recruitment tests, citing alleged irregularities in certain online tests conducted by different agencies over the past few years.
Revised MPSC Group C Exam Calendar
After the decision, the exam schedule has been revised.
- Preliminary exam: October 25, 2026 (anticipated for September 27)
- Main exam: December 27, 2026
- Total vacancies: 2,619
The revised schedule gives candidates more time to prepare while ensuring that the recruitment process continues through the conventional examination system.
The application submission deadline has been extended
Along with the review of the examination calendar, the commission has also extended important application deadlines.
- Last day to submit online applications: July 31, 2026
- Last day for online fee payment: August 3, 2026
The MPSC has discontinued payment of fees through challan, making online payment the only option available.The commission has also directed candidates who have already submitted their applications to log on to the MPSC portal and choose their preferred district exam center between July 19 and July 31. Those who do not select a center within the stipulated time will be allocated one based on the mailing address mentioned in their application.
Why aspirants opposed CBT mode
The proposed change to computer-based exams had sparked widespread protests by aspirants across Maharashtra.Students argued that introducing CBT without strengthening digital infrastructure would create an uneven playing field, especially for candidates from rural areas. They also demanded greater transparency in online recruitment exams, pointing to past controversies related to technical issues, outsourced exam agencies and scoring standardization.Many aspirants argued that any transition to online exams should be gradual and supported by strong infrastructure, standardized procedures and a transparent assessment mechanism.
The government intervenes after the protests
Decision to delay introduction of CBT taken after a meeting of senior officials chaired by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. This meeting included MPSC Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar, Chief Secretary and other senior officials of the General Administration Department.The government’s intervention came as a result of mounting pressure from students and aspirants who asked the Commission to stay the exam offline until adequate security measures were taken.
Aspirants appreciate the move
The competitive aspirants are appreciating this move by the Commission. While hailing the setback as a big relief, several aspirants have urged the government to make the decision permanent unless the MPSC develops the capacity to conduct secure and transparent online exams independently, without relying heavily on private agencies or complex score normalization methods.The latest decision is expected to ease concerns among thousands of candidates preparing for the Group C recruitment exams, while giving the commission additional time to strengthen the technological and administrative framework needed for a future transition to computer-based tests.