MPSC Exam Paper Leak Allegations: Rohit Pawar Seeks CBI Probe as Commission Orders Police Inquiry

 

Fresh allegations of an MPSC exam paper leak have intensified concerns over the integrity of recruitment examinations in Maharashtra, with Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar faction) MLA Rohit Pawar demanding a CBI investigation into the alleged leak of the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) FDA Drug Inspector (B) recruitment examination held on March 22, 2026.

The allegations come amid heightened national scrutiny of examination security following the NEET paper leak controversy, adding to concerns over recurring instances of recruitment and entrance examination irregularities.

Rohit Pawar Alleges Candidates Received Questions Before Exam

Addressing reporters, Rohit Pawar alleged that students associated with Kautilya Academy in Nandurbar had access to nearly 90% of the examination questions two days before the MPSC examination.

He claimed that the alleged leak pointed to the possible involvement of individuals connected with the paper-setting process and called for an independent investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Pawar further alleged that candidates had paid ₹12 lakh to obtain access to the examination paper, with ₹5 lakh allegedly paid in advance. According to him, the questions were circulated through WhatsApp, and although the messages were later deleted, one student allegedly downloaded the material and forwarded it to another individual.

These allegations have not been established in court, and an official investigation is underway.

MPSC Orders Police Complaint and Inquiry

Responding to the allegations, MPSC Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar said the Commission would file a formal police complaint and conduct a detailed inquiry to verify the claims.

Bhimanwar explained that the Commission first received an email complaint from Gaurav Patil on July 21, alleging that the examination paper had been leaked. However, according to the Chairman, Patil sent another email on July 26 withdrawing the complaint, stating that he had filed it after failing to secure selection and anticipating a long wait before the next recruitment examination.

The Commission, however, decided not to close the matter.

Bhimanwar said police would examine both Gaurav Patil and Rishikesh Gangurde, another candidate who allegedly circulated the complaint on social media, to determine the facts.

He added that both individuals had been asked to appear before the Commission but had not responded to the summons.

"The transparent image of MPSC must be maintained," Bhimanwar said while confirming that the matter would be investigated.

Examination Process Already Near Completion

According to MPSC, approximately 45,000 candidates had registered for the FDA Drug Inspector (B) recruitment examination, of whom nearly 31,000 appeared.

The results were declared on June 12, interviews concluded on July 22, and the provisional merit list was released the same day.

The Commission stated that it received the first complaint about the alleged paper leak one day before the merit list was published. After seeking supporting evidence, the complainant reportedly shared screenshots claiming they showed examination questions being circulated before the test. The complaint was later withdrawn, prompting the Commission to seek a police investigation to establish the facts.

Opposition Alleges Larger Recruitment Exam Racket

Rohit Pawar, along with leaders from the Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT), alleged that the MPSC controversy reflects a broader pattern of examination irregularities in Maharashtra.

Opposition leaders claimed that recruitment and entrance examinations, including Teacher Eligibility Test (TET), NEET, SRPF recruitment, HSC Chemistry, Talathi recruitment, Public Works Department, Kotwal recruitment, Water Conservation Department, and Mahagenco examinations, have faced allegations of paper leaks or other irregularities in recent years.

Pawar warned that if the government does not provide satisfactory answers by the end of August, the Opposition would launch a statewide agitation demanding accountability.

State Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal alleged that organised networks manipulate competitive examinations and even influence percentile scores in certain entrance tests. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare questioned why the MPSC responded publicly only after the allegations gained widespread attention.

Government Responds

Amid the growing political controversy, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended the government's handling of examination reforms and praised former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for initiatives including the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP).

As the police inquiry begins, investigators are expected to examine digital evidence, emails, WhatsApp communications, and statements from the individuals involved. The outcome of the investigation could have significant implications for the credibility of Maharashtra's recruitment examinations and ongoing efforts to strengthen examination security across the country.