Fadnavis asks MPSC to defer computer-based exams till Aug 2027 after students' protests

Mumbai, Jul 16 (PTI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday directed the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) to defer the implementation of computer-based examinations until August 2027, providing relief to aspirants who had opposed the move. The MPSC had earlier decided to conduct the Combined Group C Preliminary Examination in a computer-based format through multiple sessions, with separate question papers for each session and score normalisation to account for differences in difficulty levels. The proposal had triggered protests by student organisations, which expressed concerns over the new examination system. Fadnavis met student representatives on Tuesday and assured them that their concerns would be discussed with the commission. At a meeting attended by MPSC Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar, Chief Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, Additional Chief Secretary (General Administration) V Radha and Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Shrikar Pardeshi, CM Fadnavis said reforms in the examination process should be implemented in a phased manner without causing hardship to candidates. He said a secure and transparent recruitment process has always been his priority, adding that examinations and declaration of results should be conducted on time. He, however, said the transition from the existing system to a new one should be smooth and all stakeholders should be given adequate time to prepare. Fadnavis directed that the computer-based examination system be introduced in phases from August 2027 and that MPSC continue conducting examinations under the existing pattern until then. The meeting also reviewed measures to improve the MPSC examination system, reduce delays in declaration of results, adopt modern technology and make the recruitment process more efficient, transparent and candidate-friendly. PTI MR NP