MPSC paper leak: candidates demand chairman's resignation
Candidates protesting the MPSC drug inspector paper leak and evaluation lapses want chairman Vivek Bhimanwar to quit
The controversy around the Maharashtra Public Service Commission, or MPSC, has deepened. Candidates have intensified their protest over irregularities in exams, a paper leak and question marks over the evaluation of answer sheets. The agitation is now getting backing from political and social organisations, increasing pressure on the state government and the recruitment commission.
The dispute centres on the Drug Inspector Group-B screening exam held in March 2026. It is alleged that the question paper was leaked before the exam and reached some candidates in advance. A Mumbai Crime Branch investigation has led to the arrest of MPSC under-secretary Abhijit Lendve, two assistant section officers and four others. Reports say those arrested include a woman candidate who had secured seventh rank in the exam.
Besides the paper leak, candidates have also alleged irregularities in the evaluation of descriptive answer sheets for the State Services Main Examination 2025 and the Agriculture Services exam. Students say flaws in the evaluation process may have disadvantaged eligible candidates, and they are demanding an independent inquiry into the entire process.
The protesting candidates have put forward four main demands. First, that MPSC chairman Vivek Bhimanwar and the secretary resign immediately. Second, that the Mumbai Crime Branch's preliminary report on the Drug Inspector paper leak case be made public. Third, that an independent forensic audit be conducted of all exams held during arrested under-secretary Abhijit Lendve's tenure. Fourth, that transparent and secure arrangements be put in place for the Group-C clerk and typist preliminary exam scheduled for October 25, 2026.
The agitation is getting support from political and social organisations including the Congress, the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) and the Cockroach Janata Party, or CJP. CJP founder Abhijit Dipke met representatives of the protesting candidates at his home in Waluj, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, on September 13 and gave an ultimatum until September 24. Dipke has warned that if the MPSC chairman and secretary do not resign by that date, his organisation will intensify the agitation at MPSC coaching centres and in districts across Maharashtra.
MPSC chairman Vivek Bhimanwar, for his part, says the Drug Inspector paper leak took place before he took charge as chairman. The commission has also indicated that a high-level committee will be formed to examine the exam system and recommend reforms. Despite this, the protesting candidates remain unsatisfied and are sticking to their demand for accountability, an independent inquiry and greater transparency in the recruitment process.
The dispute has now become a fresh challenge to the credibility of Maharashtra's competitive exam system, as thousands of candidates want concrete action rather than mere assurances.
