MPSC Cancels Drug Inspector Exam; Commission Takes Major Decision After Probe
The Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) has decided to cancel the recruitment process for 'Drug Inspector' (Group-B) posts in the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) department. The Commission scrapped the entire recruitment drive following the confirmation of a question paper leak during the screening exam and the receipt of a preliminary police investigation report. This move, aimed at upholding the exam's integrity and credibility, directly impacts the futures of thousands of aspirants across the state.
The matter originated with an offline screening exam held in March 2026; subsequently, results were declared, and interviews for approximately 488 candidates were completed by July. Just before the final selection list could be released, candidates and public representatives lodged serious complaints—via email and formal representations—alleging that the paper had been leaked and circulated on social media. Taking these complaints seriously, the MPSC requested the Mumbai Police Commissioner to conduct an investigation on July 27.
The preliminary investigation report submitted by the Mumbai Police Crime Branch revealed that the confidentiality of the question paper had been compromised prior to the exam and that unfair means had been employed. Acting swiftly upon this revelation, the police arrested six individuals, including MPSC officials and the operator of a coaching academy. Once the malpractice was confirmed, the Commission adopted a firm stance and cancelled the entire examination process.
This cancellation has dealt a severe blow to candidates who had completed the interview stage and were anticipating final selection. Having put in years of hard work and reached the final phase of the exam, the prospect of starting over from scratch is mentally and emotionally distressing for the students. Meanwhile, youth organizations and student leaders across the state have demanded the strictest possible action against the "paper leak mafia" and the officials responsible, while calling for a transparent recruitment process.
In a move to offer some relief to the candidates, the Commission has clarified that a re-examination will be conducted afresh soon. Eligible candidates who have previously applied will not be required to re-apply or pay any additional examination fee. MPSC states that taking this tough decision was essential to uphold transparency, fairness, and candidate confidence in the recruitment system, and to completely curb such malpractice in the future.