MPSC to transition preliminary exams online starting 2027 drawing student backlash
The Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) has announced that all preliminary examinations for Group A, Group B, and Group C cadres in Maharashtra will transition to an online, computer-based testing system starting in 2027. This decision, aimed at speeding up results and maintaining schedules, has triggered strong backlash from competitive exam aspirants who have raised concerns over technical issues and the controversial score normalization method.
Under the new policy, the Maharashtra Civil Services Gazetted Group A and Group B combined prelims, the Maharashtra Group B (non-gazetted) services prelims, and the Maharashtra Group C Services prelims will be conducted twice or more frequently each year. Instead of being manually written, these exams will be held directly on computers. MPSC claims this shift will accelerate the result-processing timeline.
However, students have expressed strong dissatisfaction with the online format. Aspirants argue that there is an insufficient number of capable and reliable computer centers in Maharashtra to conduct these large-scale exams. They are particularly concerned about potential technical difficulties that candidates from rural areas might face, fearing they will bear the brunt of any malpractices or technical glitches at private examination centers.
Because the online exams will be conducted in multiple shifts, the MPSC plans to implement a statistical "normalization" method to equalize scores across sessions. MPSC chairperson Vivek Bhimanwar stated that the Supreme Court had approved the computer-based test system and the normalization method, noting that the state’s CET Cell was already successfully conducting exams using this procedure.
Despite this, students remain strongly opposed to normalization. They argue that the statistical process prioritizes mathematical formulas over actual marks obtained, which could disadvantage meritorious candidates. Competitive exam aspirants’ organizations are demanding that if online exams are conducted, they must be held in a single shift across the state to avoid the confusion and perceived injustice of normalization.
MPSC Secretary Mahendra Harpalkar defended the commission's decision, pointing out that national-level exams like JEE, SSC, UGC-NET, and NTA, as well as state-level CET exams, are successfully conducted online. Harpalkar stated that MPSC-appointed officials would be present at every center to ensure transparency and that normalization is a globally accepted method essential for ensuring equal opportunities.
Alongside the transition to online testing, the MPSC also announced the complete removal of optional subjects from the State Services Main Examination. Under the revised syllabus, the main exam will consist of seven papers, a change that aspirants have welcomed for providing equal opportunities to students from all academic backgrounds.
