Maharashtra Drug Inspector Exam Scrapped After Alleged Paper Leak

An investigation by the Crime Investigation Branch reportedly found that one candidate had gained prior access to the question paper.

The complaints had alleged that the question paper was leaked before the exam and circulated through social media and other electronic platforms. Following the complaints, the MPSC lodged a complaint with the Mumbai Police, seeking an investigation into the allegations. The Crime Branch inquiry found prima facie that one candidate had received the question set and benefited from it.

The commission said the cancellation was necessary to protect the confidentiality, integrity, transparency and impartiality of its examinations and maintain candidates’ confidence in the recruitment process.

The Commission had conducted the screening examination for the posts on March 22, 2026, at six divisional headquarters across Maharashtra. The results were declared on June 12, with 506 candidates qualifying for the interview stage. Of these, interviews for 488 candidates were conducted between July 1 and July 22. Following the interviews, the Commission published a provisional general merit list of 485 eligible candidates and 488 ineligible candidates.

The MPSC will conduct the Drug Inspector, Group-B examination afresh. Candidates who had applied earlier will not have to submit new applications for the re-examination. The commission will also not charge any additional examination fee. The date of the fresh examination will be announced separately.

NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar, who had been raising the issue since the allegations first surfaced, welcomed the cancellation of the recruitment process and said it was a victory for the students who had been fighting against the alleged irregularities. He also sought the resignation of the MPSC chairman and secretary.

“If they do not resign within the stipulated time, we will hold an intense protest outside the Commission’s office on September 1 and demand answers from them,” he said.

Pawar demanded that the MPSC make its inquiry report public rather than attempting to suppress the matter, and disclose what action had been taken against the agents whose names, he said, had previously been provided.

Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar said the MPSC’s decision to cancel the entire recruitment process for the 2025 Drug Inspector examination was a victory for candidates who had protested against the alleged paper leak.

“This decision is a success of our persistent efforts for the rights of students who have worked hard for years. We will not support those who play with the future of students. The fight against paper leaks will continue,” Wadettiwar said in a statement.