Major Setback for MPSC Drug Inspector Recruitment; Entire Examination Cancelled, Re-examination to Be Conducted

Mumbai, August 25, 2026: The Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) has taken a major decision to cancel the recruitment process for the post of Drug Inspector, Group-B, Food and Drug Administration. The decision comes following complaints of irregularities and alleged leakage of the question paper. The Commission has announced that a fresh examination will now be conducted for the post.

The recruitment advertisement for the Drug Inspector post was issued on July 29, 2025. Subsequently, an online screening examination was conducted on March 22, 2026, at six divisional headquarters across Maharashtra. The result of the examination was declared on June 12, 2026, with 506 candidates qualifying for the interview stage. Of these, interviews of 488 candidates were conducted between July 1 and July 22.

Meanwhile, the Commission received complaints regarding irregularities in the examination. The complaints alleged that some candidates had obtained the question paper or questions before the examination began. Taking serious note of the matter, the Commission requested the Mumbai Police to conduct an inquiry.

According to the Commission’s press release, the Crime Investigation Branch of the Mumbai Police found during its preliminary inquiry that a candidate had obtained the question paper and had benefited from it.

Considering the need to maintain the confidentiality, integrity, transparency and fairness of the examination process, and to protect candidates’ confidence in the Commission, the Maharashtra Public Service Commission has decided to cancel the entire recruitment process for the Drug Inspector, Group-B post.

In a major relief to candidates, the Commission has clarified that eligible candidates will not have to apply again and no examination fee will be charged for the re-examination. Details regarding the fresh examination will be announced separately through an official notification.

The decision highlights the Commission’s strict stand on maintaining transparency and fairness in recruitment examinations. It also sends a clear message that where serious irregularities are suspected, the entire process may be cancelled to ensure that candidates receive a fair and equal opportunity.