MPSC cancels drug inspector recruitment after question paper leak allegations

NewsBharati    26-Aug-2026 20:07:12 PM
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Mumbai , August 26: The Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) has cancelled the recruitment process for the post of Drug Inspector, Group-B, in the Food and Drug Administration Department following a preliminary inquiry into alleged malpractice in the screening examination.

MPSC cancels 
 
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The decision was taken after complaints were received alleging that some candidates had access to the question paper or questions before the examination.
 
Complaints trigger inquiry
 
The MPSC had issued the recruitment advertisement on July 29, 2025. The screening examination was conducted offline on March 22 at six divisional headquarters across Maharashtra, with its results declared on June 12.
 
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Following the screening examination, 506 candidates were found eligible for interviews. Of these, 488 candidates appeared for interviews conducted between July 1 and 22. A provisional general merit list containing 488 candidates, including 485 eligible and three ineligible candidates, was subsequently published on the MPSC website.
 
Between July 22 and 26, the Commission received complaints from candidates and public representatives alleging malpractice in the March 22 examination. The complaints claimed that some candidates had received the question paper or questions before the examination and that the material was circulated through social media and electronic platforms.
 
 
Crime Branch conducts inquiry
 
Considering the seriousness of the allegations, the MPSC approached the Mumbai Police for an investigation. The Crime Branch subsequently conducted a preliminary inquiry and submitted its findings to the Commission.
According to the inquiry report, there appeared to be prima facie evidence that one candidate had received the question set before the examination and benefited from it.
 
Re-examination to be held
 
The MPSC said the cancellation was necessary to protect the confidentiality, integrity, transparency and impartiality of its examination process and to maintain candidates’ trust in the Commission.
 
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A fresh examination will now be conducted for the Drug Inspector posts. Candidates who had participated in the cancelled recruitment process will not have to apply again, and no additional examination fee will be charged.
The MPSC said the date of the re-examination and other related details will be announced separately through an official press release.
 
The decision comes amid increased scrutiny of competitive examinations across the country following allegations of paper leaks and irregularities in several major recruitment and entrance examinations.
Food MPSC Maharashtra examinationCrime Branch re-examination