After 488 cleared interviews, Maharashtra cancels Drug Inspector recruitment over paper leak findings

The Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) has suspended the recruitment for Drug Inspector, Group-B positions in the Food and Drug Administration department following a police probe that uncovered a suspected leak of the screening question paper. The screening examination took place on March 22, 2026, at six locations throughout the state.

Out of 506 candidates who qualified for interviews, 488 were interviewed between July 1 and July 22. The provisional general merit list was published on July 26, distinguishing 485 eligible candidates and 488 ineligible candidates. The Commission received complaints between July 22 and July 26, alleging malpractice during the March 22 examination.

These claims included candidates receiving the question paper or questions beforehand and the material being distributed via social media and other electronic platforms. Upon receiving these complaints, the MPSC requested an investigation from the Mumbai Police Commissioner. The preliminary police report suggested that one candidate had accessed the question paper prior to the examination, and the material had indeed been leaked.

In light of these findings, the Commission chose to terminate the recruitment process, which had already concluded for most candidates in the interview stage. The MPSC will now administer a new exam for the Drug Inspector, Group-B recruitment. Eligible candidates from the previous process will not need to reapply, and no examination fee will be required for the re-examination.

The Commission has assured that the details of the rescheduled examination, including the date and schedule, will be announced through a separate notification.