MPSC Exam Pattern: Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) Exam Structure

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MPSC Exam Pattern 2026

The Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) has introduced significant changes to the syllabus and exam pattern for 2026. Candidates preparing for the exam should carefully understand these updates, as the revised pattern will now be followed.

• The MPSC has updated the syllabus and exam pattern, particularly for the Mains Examination.

• As per the new pattern, the Mains exam is descriptive in nature, replacing the earlier format.

• The number of papers in the Mains exam has been increased from 6 to 9, making the structure more detailed and comprehensive.

• The total marks for the Mains exam have been increased from 800 to 1,750.

• The Marathi and English language papers are now qualifying in nature, and their marks will not be included in the final merit list.

• Candidates are required to appear for 7 compulsory papers, which include:

  • 1 Essay paper

  • 4 General Studies papers

  • 2 papers from one optional subject (chosen from 26 subjects)

• Changes have also been made to the negative marking scheme in objective-type papers.

  • Earlier, 1/3rd marks were deducted for each incorrect answer.

  • Now, the penalty has been reduced to 1/4th (25%) of the marks assigned to the question.

MPSC Prelims Exam Pattern 2026

The MPSC Prelims Exam Pattern 2026 consists of two compulsory objective papers, each with duration of 2 hours.Here are the key points of the exam pattern:

• Both papers have negative marking of 1/4 of the marks allocated to the question for incorrect answers, except for questions on decision-making in Paper 2.
• There is no negative marking for unattempted questions.
• The Prelims exam is screening in nature, and candidates need to score minimum marks as decided by the commission to qualify for the Mains exam.
• Marks of both papers will be considered for qualifying candidates for the Mains exam.
• All questions are set in English and Marathi except for those meant to test the candidate's knowledge of English.

Paper Details

MPSC Mains Exam Pattern 2026

The MPSC Mains Exam Pattern 2026 consists of seven compulsory papers, with 2 optional subjects. The details of the exam pattern are as follows:

• TotalPapers:TheMainsexamnowcomprises9papersintotal.
• TotalMarks:ThetotalmarksfortheMainsexaminationhaveincreasedto1,750.
• NatureofExam:TheMainsexamisnowdescriptiveinnature,shiftingfromthepreviousobjectiveformat.
• OptionalSubjects:Therearenowoptionalsubjects,withcandidateschoosingonefromalistof26.
• MediumofExamination:PaperscangenerallybeattemptedinMarathiorEnglish(exceptforthelanguage-specificpapers).
• Candidates must perform well in all papers to progress to the Interview stage.

MPSC Interview 2026

The MPSC Interview (also known as the Personality Test) is the final stage of the MPSC selection process. Here's a breakdown for 2026:

Weightage: It carries 275 marks. These marks are added to your Mains exam scores to determine your final ranking and merit list.
Purpose: The interview aims to assess your overall personality, suitability for administrative roles, and mental qualities. It's not just about academic knowledge.
Assessment Areas: The interview panel looks for:
Communication skills
Problem-solving and decision-making abilities
General awareness and current affairs (both state and national)
Leadership qualities and ethics
Overall confidence and demeanor
Administrative aptitude
Ability to deal with various issues and conflicts in society
Format: Candidates are interviewed by a board appointed by the MPSC. It's described as a "purposeful conversation". There is no group round; candidates are assessed individually.

MPSC Exam Pattern 2026: FAQs

1. What are the three stages of the MPSC 2026 Exam?

The selection process remains a three-tier journey starting with the Preliminary Examination for screening, followed by a descriptive Mains Examination, and concluding with a Personality Test or Interview.

2. How is the Preliminary Exam structured?

It consists of two objective papers of 200 marks each, where Paper I covers General Studies and determines your entry to Mains, while Paper II is the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT).

3. What is the qualifying criteria for CSAT?

Paper II (CSAT) is strictly qualifying; you must secure at least 33% (66 marks out of 200). Your General Studies paper will not be checked if you fail to meet this threshold.

4. What is the new marking scheme for objective papers?

Starting March 1, 2026, MPSC has introduced a stricter negative marking of 1/4th (25%) for every wrong answer and a mandatory fifth option for questions you choose not to attempt. Failing to select this fifth option when leaving a question blank will also result in a 1/4th mark deduction.

5. How many papers are in the descriptive Mains?

The Mains stage now features nine papers in total, which includes two qualifying language papers and seven merit-ranking papers that include an Essay, four General Studies papers, and two Optional Subject papers.

6. Which papers carry the most weight for selection?

The seven merit-ranking papers (Papers 3 to 9) carry 250 marks each, totaling 1,750 marks. These, along with your interview performance, are the only marks used to decide the final rank list.

7. What are the qualifying language papers?

Paper 1 (Marathi) and Paper 2 (English) are each worth 300 marks and require a minimum of 25% to pass. These papers test comprehension, précis writing, usage, and translation skills, but their marks do not count toward your final total.

8. How does the Optional Subject work?

You must choose one optional subject from a list of 26 available topics, such as History, Geography, or Public Administration. This subject is split into two separate papers (Paper I and Paper II) of 250 marks each.

9. What is the value of the Interview stage?

The Personality Test is conducted for 275 marks. It evaluates not just your knowledge, but your administrative aptitude, social cohesion, leadership qualities, and intellectual integrity.

10. What is the total marks for the final merit list?

Selection is based on a combined score out of 2,025 marks, which is the sum of the 1,750 marks from the Mains merit papers and the 275 marks from the Interview.