MPSC Exam Paper Leak: Aspirants Protest in Pune; NCP (SP), Congress Leaders Back Agitation

Pune: A large number of Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) aspirants took to the streets in Pune on Monday, demanding greater transparency in the recruitment process and action over alleged paper leaks and irregularities in various examinations.

The protest march began at Omkareshwar Temple Chowk and proceeded towards the Pune District Collectorate, where aspirants raised concerns over the functioning of the commission and demanded accountability from its senior officials.

Aspirants Demand Resignation of MPSC Officials

One of the principal demands of the protesters was the resignation of MPSC Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar and the commission's secretary. The aspirants also sought the appointment of officials with a "clean image" to ensure greater confidence in the recruitment system.

The protesters argued that repeated allegations of examination irregularities have undermined the credibility of competitive examinations and created uncertainty for thousands of candidates preparing for government jobs.

They demanded that the commission provide an explanation within eight days regarding objections raised over the Drug Inspector (Group-B) examination and initiate an inquiry into alleged irregularities.

Drug Inspector Exam Paper Leak Under Investigation

The agitation comes against the backdrop of the alleged question-paper leak in the MPSC Drug Inspector (Group-B) screening examination, which was conducted in March.

The Mumbai Crime Branch is investigating the case. According to reports, seven people, including a female candidate who had secured seventh rank in the examination, have been arrested in connection with the alleged leak.

The protesters are seeking the release of the preliminary inquiry report submitted by the Mumbai Crime Branch to the MPSC. They have also demanded a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the leak and accountability for those found responsible.

MPSC Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar has maintained that the paper leak occurred before he assumed charge of the commission and has said that the commission has initiated measures to strengthen examination security.

Demand for Forensic Audit of Examinations

The aspirants have also expanded their demands beyond the Drug Inspector examination.

They are seeking a forensic audit of examinations conducted during the tenure of arrested MPSC under-secretary Abhijit Lendwe. The protesters have called for scrutiny of his service records and promotion, as well as those of two other accused MPSC assistant section officers.

The protesters have further sought examination of call-detail records of candidates selected through alleged contacts with the accused officials and an investigation into the possible involvement of intermediaries or agents.

They also want an independent inquiry into doubts raised over the results of other examinations, including alleged errors in the evaluation of descriptive papers in the 2025 State Services Main Examination and Agricultural Services examination.

Rohit Pawar, Vishwajeet Kadam Join Protest

The agitation received political backing from Opposition leaders.

NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar and Congress legislator Vishwajeet Kadam joined the protesters in Pune and expressed support for their demands. Pawar said the state government must address the concerns raised by the students.

Pawar has maintained that the agitation should not be viewed as a political movement, saying it is being led by MPSC aspirants seeking fairness and transparency in the recruitment process.

The protest has also received wider political support, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and other Opposition figures previously expressing solidarity with Maharashtra's competitive-exam aspirants.

Aspirants Seek Transparent Future Examinations

The protesters have demanded that the upcoming Group-C preliminary examination, scheduled for October 25, 2026, be conducted under strict and transparent arrangements.

They have also sought the revival of the stenographer post and stronger safeguards against paper leaks, manipulation of results and other forms of examination malpractice.

The demands come as the Maharashtra government has separately constituted a high-level committee to review the recruitment examination system and recommend measures to improve transparency, security and reliability.

Government Faces Pressure Over Recruitment System

The Pune protest has increased pressure on the Maharashtra government and the MPSC to restore confidence among candidates preparing for competitive examinations.

For thousands of aspirants, the issue extends beyond one alleged paper leak. They are demanding a recruitment system in which question papers remain secure, evaluation is transparent and examination results are free from irregularities.

With political parties extending support to the agitation and students threatening stronger protests if their demands are not addressed, the MPSC examination controversy is likely to remain a significant issue in Maharashtra's political discourse.