Maharashtra government approves one-year age relaxation for recruitment exams
A high-level committee has also proposed increasing MPSC Group C vacancies to over 16,000 in its interim report.
The Maharashtra government on Thursday approved a one-time, one-year extension of the maximum age limit for recruitment tests. This decision follows recommendations from a seven-member high-level committee led by Additional Chief Secretary V. Radha.
According to The Hindu, the committee also proposed increasing the number of Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) Group C vacancies to more than 16,000. While over 5,000 posts were initially advertised for the 2026 Group C Combined Preliminary Examination, government departments have requested more than 11,000 additional positions.
The age extension applies to recruitment notices issued from January 1, 2026, where the selection process has not yet begun, and to new notices issued until December 31, 2027. The relaxation also covers exams held by agencies other than the MPSC.
To improve security, the panel recommended scrapping the current question paper preparation and starting a new, secure process. It also suggested using CCTV, signal jammers, and police deployment at examination centres to prevent irregularities.
Nitin Andhale, an MPSC student movement organiser, welcomed the decision but urged the government to restore the objective examination pattern. He argued the current descriptive format for State Services main exams disadvantages rural and economically weaker students.
The committee was formed on September 4 to review the state's recruitment system and improve transparency. Stakeholders have until November 16 to submit statements to the panel.