The Maharashtra government is considering a major expansion of recruitment through the Maharashtra Public Service Commission, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis indicating that the next recruitment process could include a record number of vacancies.
Speaking to reporters after a state Cabinet meeting on September 22, 2026, Fadnavis said the government was working to increase the number of posts available through the Maharashtra Public Service Commission, particularly in Group C. He said several departments had presented details of vacant positions during the Cabinet meeting.
Fadnavis said the government was aiming to bring a large number of posts into the next recruitment process and indicated that the number could exceed previous records. However, the Chief Minister did not announce a final consolidated vacancy figure for the next MPSC examination.
The proposed increase is significant for candidates preparing for Maharashtra government recruitment examinations because Group C positions constitute a substantial part of the state's recruitment requirements. The government is currently examining vacancies across departments before deciding how they will be filled.
According to reports, the government has also been considering vacancies in local self government institutions. One of the issues under examination is whether these vacancies should be filled through the Maharashtra Public Service Commission or through a separate recruitment mechanism. Fadnavis said the matter would also be considered as part of the broader examination reform process.
MPSC Exam Pattern Under Review
Along with the proposed increase in vacancies, the examination pattern used by the Maharashtra Public Service Commission is also under review.
The current discussion concerns whether some MPSC examinations should return to an objective or multiple choice format instead of the descriptive pattern. Fadnavis said the government would consider such a change if it is recommended by the high powered committee examining reforms to the commission.
The issue has emerged during consultations between the committee, students and other stakeholders. According to Fadnavis, there has been strong demand during these discussions for the restoration of objective type examinations for several recruitment examinations.
The demand has reportedly covered examinations including State Services, Agriculture, Food Safety Officer and Engineering services. The government has not yet taken a final decision to restore the multiple choice format across MPSC examinations.
The examination pattern was previously changed from an objective format to a descriptive format following recommendations made by the Dalvi Committee. The Maharashtra government and MPSC subsequently decided to implement the descriptive approach. The current reform committee is now examining whether changes should be made again.
High Powered Committee Examines MPSC Reforms
The Maharashtra government has constituted a high powered committee to examine the functioning of the MPSC and recommend improvements to the recruitment examination system. The committee is headed by Additional Chief Secretary V Radha.
The committee has been holding discussions with students, candidates and other stakeholders across Maharashtra. The consultations are intended to gather suggestions on examination procedures, transparency and other aspects of the recruitment process.
According to committee chairperson V Radha, the panel had received more than 20,000 emails containing suggestions from candidates and stakeholders. The suggestions reportedly cover several areas, including transparency in evaluation, examination scheduling and the publication of results.
The committee is also examining procedures for the distribution of question papers and the conduct of competitive examinations. Another issue under consideration is the establishment of clear rules for normalisation of marks.
Normalisation can become important when the same examination is conducted in multiple sessions or shifts. Establishing clear procedures could help provide consistency in the treatment of marks where such a system is applicable.
The committee is also expected to examine what procedures should be followed if an examination has to be cancelled. Measures concerning candidates who have already been selected are also part of the reform discussions.
Recruitment Plans and Vacancy Details
While the government has indicated that it wants to increase recruitment substantially, candidates should note that the exact number of vacancies for a particular MPSC examination will become clear only after official vacancy notifications are issued.
The government has instructed departments to provide information about vacant positions. Five departments reportedly made presentations regarding vacancies at the recent Cabinet meeting. The information will be used while planning future recruitment.
Some reports have referred to more than 65,000 vacant government positions across Maharashtra, including positions associated with MPSC recruitment. However, this broader figure should not be treated as the confirmed vacancy count for a single MPSC examination. The final number of posts available through MPSC will depend on the official recruitment notifications issued by the relevant authorities.
For candidates, this distinction is important because vacancies in the wider Maharashtra government workforce can be filled through different recruitment channels. Not every government vacancy will necessarily be advertised through MPSC.
Objective Pattern Decision Still Pending
The proposed change to the examination pattern has also not been finalised.
Fadnavis said the government would consider the recommendations of the high powered committee before taking a decision. If the committee recommends returning to the multiple choice format, the government has indicated that it will consider the proposal positively.
Therefore, candidates should continue preparing according to the examination pattern specified in the official notification for the particular MPSC examination they intend to take. Candidates should not assume that the objective format has already been restored until MPSC or the Maharashtra government issues an official notification.
The ongoing review is taking place amid broader demands from MPSC aspirants for changes to the examination system. The committee is collecting views from candidates and stakeholders before submitting its recommendations.
What MPSC Aspirants Should Watch
Candidates preparing for upcoming MPSC examinations should monitor official notifications for three key developments.
The first is the final number of vacancies. Although the government has indicated that it intends to increase recruitment significantly, the exact number of posts will be known only when the relevant recruitment notification is issued.
The second is the examination pattern. The government is considering the possibility of returning to an objective or multiple choice format, but the decision will depend on the committee's recommendations and subsequent government action.
The third is the broader examination reform process. The committee is considering issues such as question paper security, examination procedures, evaluation transparency, normalisation of marks and procedures for cancelled examinations.
The proposed recruitment expansion could create additional opportunities for candidates seeking Maharashtra government jobs. At the same time, candidates should rely on official MPSC notifications for confirmed vacancies, eligibility conditions, examination dates and the applicable syllabus and examination pattern.
For now, the Maharashtra government's announcement represents a proposed expansion of recruitment and an ongoing review of the examination system. The final vacancy numbers and any changes to the MPSC examination pattern will depend on subsequent official decisions and notifications.