The Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) has launched an inquiry after MLA Rohit Pawar alleged a question‑paper leak in the Drug Inspector recruitment exam. Although the complainant later withdrew the claim, the commission said police investigations will continue.

Key Takeaways

  • MLA Rohit Pawar alleges a paper leak
  • MPSC orders a full investigation despite withdrawal
  • Police and possible CBI probe announced

The Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) ordered a comprehensive investigation into alleged question‑paper leakage for the Drug Inspector recruitment exam held on March 22, 2026, after Nationalist Congress Party MLA Rohit Pawar claimed the paper was leaked two days earlier via a coaching institute in Nandurbar.

Pawar asserted that a candidate received the paper on a mobile device on March 20 and forwarded the PDF to a friend, with screenshots of their chat later surfacing on social media. He also alleged that children of government officials secured top ranks while candidates scoring below the cut‑off were shortlisted for interviews.

The recruitment drive attracted roughly 44,500 applicants, with only 150 slated for final selection after interviews. Pawar filed a formal complaint on July 21, accusing the MPSC of inaction and demanding immediate probes by the MPSC, FDA, and a possible CBI investigation, along with FIR registration and forensic analysis of the leaked screenshots.

Kautilya Academy director Praveen Patil denied any involvement, stating the institute merely provides coaching and was unaware of any leak. Political leaders, including Congress president Harshvardhan Sapkal and Shiv Sena’s Sushma Andhare, also called for a fair inquiry, accusing the government of staying silent.

MPSC Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar confirmed receipt of the complaint on July 21 and noted that WhatsApp screenshots were submitted on July 23. However, the complainant failed to appear before the commission when summoned on July 27 and later sent an email retracting the allegation, claiming the viral document did not match the actual paper. Despite the withdrawal, the MPSC will refer the matter to police for an independent investigation.

Historical Background

The MPSC has faced similar controversies in past recruitment drives, notably a 2022 police officer selection where alleged paper leakage led to a complete overhaul of the exam process. Such incidents have repeatedly challenged the commission’s credibility.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that any perception of bias or leak in a high‑stakes recruitment exam erodes public trust, hampers merit‑based hiring, and can trigger political unrest, especially in a state as populous as Maharashtra.

"If proven, the leak could jeopardize not only candidates' careers but also public health safety," said a public‑administration expert.
Did You Know?: A similar alleged leak in a 2024 Maharashtra exam led to the cancellation of results and a complete re‑conduct of the test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Has an FIR been officially filed?
A1: No official FIR has been registered yet, but the commission has referred the case to police for investigation.

Q2: How will this affect the candidates?
A2: If a leak is confirmed, the exam results may be nullified, causing delays in the selection process.