Maharashtra Appoints Inquiry Panel to Probe Alleged Malpractices in Nine MPSC Exams
The Maharashtra government has appointed a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate alleged examination malpractices, question paper leaks and answer-key irregularities in nine competitive examinations conducted by the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) between 2023 and 2026.
The commission will be headed by Justice Dilip Bhosale, retired Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court. It has invited candidates, students, individuals and registered organisations possessing relevant information to submit their complaints and supporting evidence by November 16, 2026.
The inquiry comes amid growing concerns over the transparency and credibility of state government recruitment examinations. Allegations of leaked question papers and answer keys have raised questions about the fairness of the selection process and the protection of candidates who prepare for these examinations.
Justice Dilip Bhosale to Head Five-Member Commission
The Maharashtra government has constituted a five-member Commission of Inquiry under the leadership of retired Chief Justice Dilip Bhosale.
The other members include retired Bombay High Court judge P.D. Naik, Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, Inspector General of Police Lakhami Gautam and retired IAS officer Ganesh Patil.
Tukaram Mundhe will serve as the commission's member-secretary and coordinate its proceedings.
The commission has been tasked with establishing the facts surrounding the allegations, examining possible irregularities and identifying those responsible if wrongdoing is established.
Its investigation will also examine allegations of misconduct or misbehaviour involving serving and former MPSC members, including the commission's chairman.
According to reports, the panel has been directed to submit its findings within two months.
The commission has also been given powers similar to those of a civil court. These include summoning individuals, examining witnesses under oath, seeking documents and obtaining relevant records from government offices and courts.
Nine MPSC Examinations Under Investigation
The inquiry will cover nine examinations conducted by MPSC between 2023 and 2026.
The examinations included in the investigation are:
- Drug Inspector Examination, Group-B, 2025.
- Maharashtra Group-B (Non-Gazetted) Services Combined Preliminary Examination, 2025.
- Maharashtra Group-B (Non-Gazetted) Services Combined Main Examination, 2025.
- Maharashtra Group-C Services Combined Preliminary Examination, 2025.
- Maharashtra Group-C Services Main Examination, 2025.
- Maharashtra Agriculture Services Main Examination, 2024.
- Food and Drugs Administrative Services Main Examination, 2023.
- Maharashtra Civil Engineering Services Main Examination, 2025.
- Maharashtra Electrical Engineering Services Main Examination, 2025.
The commission will investigate allegations involving the leakage of complete question papers, answer keys or portions of examination material.
It will also examine whether other forms of malpractice or misconduct affected the conduct of these examinations.
The inclusion of examinations across several recruitment categories means the inquiry will examine allegations relating to different government job selection processes rather than a single examination.
However, the appointment of the commission does not establish that malpractice occurred in all nine examinations. The allegations will have to be examined through evidence and the inquiry process.
November 16 Is the Deadline to Submit Evidence
The commission has invited candidates, students, individuals and registered organisations with relevant information to submit their statements in the form of affidavits.
Submissions can be made in either Marathi or English.
Applicants must provide:
- A written statement in affidavit form.
- A copy of a valid identity document.
- Self-attested copies of relevant supporting documents.
- Evidence or other material that can help establish the allegations being raised.
The deadline for submitting affidavits is November 16, 2026.
The commission has clarified that it will scrutinise the documents received and decide whether the individuals who submit them need to be examined as witnesses.
Where and How to Submit Complaints
The commission's office has been established at:
Commission of Inquiry for MPSC Examinations
Room No. 201, Second Floor,
Food and Drug Administration Building,
Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC),
Bandra (East), Mumbai – 400051.
Applicants must also email copies of their affidavits and supporting documents to:
For assistance or information about submitting complaints, the commission has provided the following telephone number:
022-20867677
The commission has stated that affidavits and supporting documents received in response to its public notice will be treated as confidential.
After examining the submissions, it will decide whether the individuals concerned should be called to appear before the commission as witnesses.
MPSC Recruitment Process Faces Scrutiny
The inquiry comes at a time when the state recruitment system is facing criticism from candidates and student organisations over alleged irregularities.
Competitive examinations conducted by MPSC are an important route for recruitment to various government departments and services in Maharashtra. Thousands of candidates prepare for these examinations, making transparency and fairness essential to maintaining confidence in the selection process.
Allegations of question paper leaks or answer-key manipulation can affect candidates' confidence and raise concerns about whether examination results reflect merit and performance.
The investigation is expected to examine the available evidence, determine the extent of any irregularities and identify whether individuals or officials were involved.
The commission's findings could also lead to recommendations for further administrative or legal action, depending on what the evidence establishes.
Acting Chairman Appointed Amid the Inquiry
Separately, the Maharashtra government has given MPSC member Satish Waghole additional charge as the commission's acting chairman while the incumbent chairman, Vivek Bhimanwar, is on leave pending the inquiry.
The appointment was announced through a separate government notification.
The development forms part of the administrative changes taking place as the state examines concerns surrounding the functioning of its recruitment body.
What Happens Next?
The immediate priority for the inquiry commission is to collect evidence from candidates, students, organisations and other individuals who may have information about the alleged irregularities.
The November 16 deadline provides an opportunity for affected candidates and potential whistleblowers to formally place their information before the panel.
The commission will then scrutinise the affidavits, examine supporting documents and decide whether witnesses should be summoned.
Its findings are expected to clarify whether question papers or answer keys were leaked, whether other forms of malpractice took place and whether responsibility can be fixed on particular individuals.
For candidates preparing for Maharashtra government recruitment examinations, the inquiry is significant because its findings could have implications for confidence in the MPSC examination system and the safeguards used in future recruitment processes.
The government-appointed commission has begun the process of gathering evidence. Whether the allegations are established will depend on the material examined and the conclusions reached through the inquiry.
