Pune, September 7: Students in Maharashtra are continuing their protests against alleged irregularities in the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) recruitment process. The largest demonstration took place today, September 7.
Candidates have expressed concerns over irregularities in government recruitment exams, issues in the examination process, and a lack of transparency. They have raised issues regarding discrepancies in the exam pattern and reductions in certain positions.
The protests were sparked by the cancellation of the Drug Inspector recruitment exam due to a paper leak. The exam, conducted on March 22, 2026, had its results announced in July, leading to interviews. Students have been voicing their anger against the administration since then.
According to the crime branch, one of the arrested suspects, Gaurav Rajendra Patil, was involved in the paper leak after sharing it with his girlfriend, Rituja Patil. Following their breakup, Gaurav informed the MPSC about the leak, prompting an investigation by the Mumbai crime branch.
Reports indicate that Rituja received the question paper before the screening, allegedly obtained through her father who paid an intermediary, Praveen Patil, ₹5 lakh. Praveen runs a coaching institute in Nandurbar where Rituja was studying. After receiving the paper, she shared it with Gaurav, who was also selected.
The investigation revealed that Rituja had contacted her coaching institute post-exam, claiming she had 90 questions but only answered 78 to avoid suspicion.
The movement intensified after the news of the exam’s cancellation spread, with students asserting that the issue extends beyond a single exam to the credibility of the entire recruitment and examination system.
On September 5, 2026, protests erupted in Amravati, where thousands of MPSC candidates took to the streets against the district administration. The protesters demanded the resignation of the MPSC chairperson and warned of larger demonstrations if their demands were not met.
Students raised questions about the MPSC chairperson and called for action against alleged irregularities in the recruitment process. On September 6, MPSC students and teachers met with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who assured them of a review of the recruitment examination system and measures for transparency. However, students were not satisfied with mere assurances.
Following the protests, the government decided to form a high-level committee to review the recruitment examination system, focusing on improving security, the examination process, and gathering suggestions from students, teachers, and parents.
A special cell has been established at the Pune Collector’s office from September 7 to 10 to collect suggestions. The committee plans to meet with students at Pune University on September 12.
In support of their demands, a march was organized from Omkareshwar Chowk in Pune, attended by thousands of candidates holding placards against the examination system. MP Supriya Sule joined the march, voicing her support for the students’ demands.