Archive · 7 Sep 2026
MPSC Aspirants Protest in Pune Over Alleged Exam Irregularities
Thousands of students who want government jobs marched in Pune.
They are worried that some MPSC exams may have had paper leaks or other unfair problems.
The march went from Omkareshwar Temple to the District Collectorate.
The students want the MPSC chairman and secretary to resign or be replaced.
They also want investigations into several exams and the evidence they have submitted.
One police case about an alleged Drug Inspector exam leak has resulted in seven arrests.
MPSC Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar said that leak happened before he became chairman.
He said committees were being formed to improve exam security.
Opposition politicians supported the students, while a BJP spokesperson said the protest was being used for political purposes.
Thousands of MPSC aspirants marched from Omkareshwar Temple to the Pune District Collectorate over alleged paper leaks, corruption and examination irregularities.
Protesters demanded the resignation or removal of MPSC Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar and Secretary, along with appointments of officers with clean records.
The Mumbai police investigation into an alleged Drug Inspector or FDA Inspector paper leak has led to seven arrests, according to one report.
Students sought inquiries and forensic audits involving several examinations, including State Services, Agriculture Services, Group B and Group C tests.
Opposition leaders supported the protest, while BJP spokesperson Navnath Ban alleged that political parties were using the students’ movement for political purposes.
- Who
- Maharashtra Public Service Commission aspirants, job seekers, teachers, citizens, and supporting opposition politicians including Rohit Pawar and Vishwajit Kadam.
- What
- A Pune protest demanding transparency, investigations into alleged exam leaks and irregularities, and the resignation or removal of the MPSC chairman and secretary.
- When
- Monday; one report identified the planned march as September 7, but the year was not specified.
- Where
- The march traveled from Omkareshwar Temple or Omkareshwar Temple Chowk in Pune to the Pune District Collectorate.
- Why
- Protesters said alleged leaks, evaluation errors, corruption and other irregularities had undermined confidence in government recruitment examinations.
Protesters and Opposition Parties
MPSC Officials and BJP Critics
Responsibility for alleged irregularities
Protesters and Opposition Parties
Protesters and opposition leaders alleged that MPSC officials and government authorities were responsible for paper leaks, corruption and examination failures, and demanded criminal investigations and accountability.
MPSC Officials and BJP Critics
MPSC Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar said the Drug Inspector paper leak occurred before he took charge and said internal and government committees were examining ways to prevent similar incidents.
Leadership changes
Protesters and Opposition Parties
Students and opposition leaders demanded the resignation or removal of the MPSC chairman and secretary and their replacement with officers considered to have clean records.
MPSC Officials and BJP Critics
The reports do not state that MPSC accepted this demand; Bhimanwar instead highlighted committees formed to recommend examination and security improvements.
Political involvement
Protesters and Opposition Parties
Rohit Pawar and Congress leaders said the protest was led by students and represented genuine public anger over their future and fair access to jobs.
MPSC Officials and BJP Critics
BJP spokesperson Navnath Ban alleged that the protest was being used to advance Rohit Pawar’s political career and that Congress was using students for political purposes.
- Protest location
- Pune, Maharashtra
- March route
- Omkareshwar Temple to the Pune District Collectorate
- Main demands
- Resignation or removal of the MPSC chairman and secretary, independent inquiries, forensic audits and examination reforms
- Response deadline sought
- Eight days for the MPSC to explain objections concerning the Drug Inspector examination and begin an inquiry
- Police investigation
- Mumbai police are investigating an alleged Drug Inspector or FDA Inspector examination paper leak
- Arrests
- Seven people were arrested in connection with the alleged paper-leak case, according to one report
- Examinations cited
- Drug Inspector, Group B 2025, State Services Main, Agriculture Services, Group C and Excise Inspector examinations
