Pune, Maharashtra - 30 December 2025: The Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) has officially announced the upcoming recruitment drive for the MPSC Civil Services Gazetted Combined Preliminary Exam 2026. This highly anticipated notification seeks to fill a total of 87 Gazetted Posts across various state government departments. The recruitment drive is aimed at selecting eligible candidates for prestigious positions such as Assistant Executive Officer (Grade-A), Assistant Project Officer (Grade-B), Deputy Chief Executive Officer, and other key roles within the state administration.
The MPSC Civil Services Gazetted Combined Preliminary Exam 2026 serves as the initial screening stage for candidates aspiring to join the higher echelons of Maharashtra’s bureaucracy. The notification, released by the Commission, outlines the details for the online application process and provides essential information for prospective candidates. This exam combines multiple Group-A and Group-B gazetted posts into a single preliminary examination, offering a simplified entry point for aspirants to compete for diverse roles simultaneously.
According to the official communication, the Maharashtra Public Service Commission plans to initiate the online application process shortly. Aspiring candidates are advised to closely monitor the official MPSC website and reliable information sources like Sarkari Result All for real-time updates regarding the precise application dates, detailed eligibility criteria, and examination schedule for the MPSC Combined Preliminary Exam 2026.
The 87 posts announced cover a significant range of responsibilities and technical expertise required for effective governance. These positions are crucial for implementing state policies and managing various government projects. The recruitment drive is expected to attract a large number of applicants from across Maharashtra and neighboring regions.
Key Details of MPSC Civil Services Gazetted Combined Preliminary Exam 2026
The following table provides a summary of the key details regarding the MPSC Gazetted Combined Preliminary Exam 2026 Online Form. This information is based on the official announcement released by the Maharashtra Public Service Commission for the 87 available posts.
| Exam Name | MPSC Civil Services Gazetted Combined Preliminary Exam 2026 |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) |
| Total Posts | 87 Posts |
| Post Names | Assistant Executive Officer (Grade-A), Assistant Project Officer (Grade-B), Deputy Chief Executive Officer, State Program Officer, Zonal Administrative Officer (Technical), and other Gazetted Posts. |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Job Location | Maharashtra State Government Departments |
| Official Website | https://mpsc.gov.in/ |
Understanding the Importance of Gazetted Posts
The term "Gazetted Officer" holds specific importance within the Indian government administrative structure. A Gazetted Officer is an executive or high-ranking government official whose appointment is formally published in the official government gazette. These officers have the authority to authenticate documents and perform duties on behalf of the government, including issuing official certificates and verifying identities. The posts announced under the MPSC Combined Preliminary Exam 2026 fall under this category, signifying a high degree of responsibility and authority.
The roles available, such as Assistant Executive Officer and Assistant Project Officer, are vital for project implementation at the ground level. An Assistant Executive Officer (AEO) typically assists senior management in planning, executing, and monitoring various administrative functions and state-funded projects. The Assistant Project Officer (APO) focuses on managing specific projects, ensuring timely completion, efficient resource allocation, and adherence to quality standards. These roles offer significant career growth potential and direct involvement in state development activities.
Important Dates and Application Timeline
Candidates preparing for the MPSC Civil Services Gazetted Combined Preliminary Exam 2026 should pay close attention to the application timeline. As of 30 December 2025, the exact start and end dates for the application window for the 2026 cycle are awaited. The Maharashtra Public Service Commission typically provides a notice period before opening the application window. Candidates can expect the detailed schedule to be released in the coming months.
The following table outlines the anticipated timeline for the application process and examination, based on typical MPSC recruitment cycles. Specific dates will be updated upon official release by the MPSC.
| Event | Important Dates (Anticipated) |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Release Date | December 2025 / January 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | Not Available (To be announced shortly) |
| Last Date for Online Application | Not Available (To be announced shortly) |
| Last Date to Pay Exam Fee Online | Not Available |
| Admit Card Release Date | Not Available (Before Preliminary Exam) |
| Preliminary Exam Date 2026 | Not Available (Anticipated in Mid-2026) |
Eligibility Criteria: A Comprehensive Overview
To be eligible for the MPSC Civil Services Gazetted Combined Preliminary Exam 2026, candidates must meet specific academic and age requirements. These criteria are standard for MPSC gazetted services exams, although minor adjustments might be specified in the final notification for individual posts. Candidates are strongly advised to consult the official notification document before applying.
Educational Qualification
The primary educational requirement for nearly all posts in the MPSC Combined Preliminary Exam is a Bachelor's Degree. Candidates must hold a graduation degree from a recognized university or institution established by law in India. For specific technical posts included in this combined exam, such as Zonal Administrative Officer (Technical), candidates may require a degree in engineering or a relevant technical discipline. For example, some posts may require a degree in Civil Engineering, Computer Science, or Agricultural Science. However, the basic requirement for the majority of administrative posts remains a general bachelor's degree in any stream.
Age Limit Criteria
The age limit for candidates appearing for the MPSC Civil Services Exam typically follows these guidelines, with variations based on category:
- Minimum Age: Candidates must have completed 19 years of age.
- Maximum Age for General Category: The upper age limit for open category candidates is usually 38 years.
- Maximum Age for Reserved Categories (OBC/SC/ST/EWS): Relaxation in the upper age limit is provided for reserved categories according to state government rules. For instance, candidates from SC/ST categories often receive a relaxation of up to 5 years, while OBC candidates receive a relaxation of up to 3 years.
- Persons with Disabilities (PwD): PwD candidates may receive age relaxation up to 45 years or as specified in the specific notification.
The decisive date for calculating the age limit is typically mentioned in the official notification. Candidates must ensure they meet the specific age criteria on this cut-off date to be considered eligible for the MPSC Gazetted Combined Preliminary Exam 2026.
Selection Process: Three-Stage Examination Pattern
The selection process for the MPSC Civil Services Gazetted Combined Preliminary Exam 2026 is a rigorous three-stage procedure designed to identify candidates with the highest potential for administrative roles:
1. Preliminary Examination (Objective Type)
The Preliminary Exam (Prelims) is the initial screening stage. Its primary purpose is to filter candidates for the Main Examination. The marks obtained in the Prelims are not included in the final merit list; candidates only need to qualify this stage. The preliminary exam typically consists of two papers:
- Paper 1: General Studies (GS) - Covers a wide range of subjects including History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, and Current Affairs of national and international importance, with a special emphasis on Maharashtra.
- Paper 2: Civil Service Aptitude Test (CSAT) - Assesses comprehension, interpersonal skills including communication skills, logical reasoning and analytical ability, decision-making and problem-solving, and basic numeracy.
The preliminary exam is conducted in objective format with multiple-choice questions (MCQs). There is typically negative marking for incorrect answers, and candidates must secure a minimum qualifying score in Paper 2 (CSAT) to be eligible for consideration in Paper 1. The cutoff for Paper 1 is then determined based on the number of candidates required for the Mains exam.
2. Main Examination (Descriptive/Objective Type)
Candidates who successfully qualify the Preliminary Exam proceed to the Main Examination. The Mains exam is more comprehensive and tests the candidate's in-depth knowledge of subjects relevant to state administration and governance. The format of the Mains exam for the MPSC Combined Preliminary Exam often includes both objective and descriptive papers, depending on the specific post group. The scores obtained in the Mains exam are crucial and are added to the final merit list.
3. Interview/Personality Test
The final stage of selection is the Interview or Personality Test. This round assesses the candidate's communication skills, general awareness, integrity, and suitability for high-level administrative work. The interview panel evaluates the candidate’s personality, mental aptitude, and ability to make decisions under pressure. Marks from both the Main Examination and the Interview determine the final ranking and selection of candidates for the MPSC Civil Services Gazetted Combined Preliminary Exam 2026 posts.
Detailed Syllabus Overview for Preliminary Exam
For candidates preparing for the MPSC Civil Services Gazetted Combined Preliminary Exam 2026, understanding the syllabus is paramount. The following outlines the expected areas of study for the Preliminary Examination:
Paper I: General Studies
- History of Maharashtra and India: Special reference to the history of Maharashtra, Indian National Movement.
- Geography of Maharashtra and India: Physical, social, and economic geography of Maharashtra and India. Key topics include rivers, mountains, climate, agriculture, and urban development.
- Indian Polity and Governance: Constitution of India, political system, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, and Rights Issues. Emphasis on state administration and local government structures in Maharashtra.
- Economic and Social Development: Sustainable Development Goals, poverty alleviation, demographics, social sector initiatives. Specific focus on Maharashtra's economy and budget.
- Environmental Ecology: General issues on environmental ecology, biodiversity, and climate change that do not require subject specialization.
- General Science: Basic knowledge of physics, chemistry, and biology.
- Current Events: Significant current affairs, news, and developments of state, national, and international importance.
Paper II: Civil Service Aptitude Test (CSAT)
- Comprehension: Reading comprehension passages in both English and Marathi.
- Interpersonal Skills including Communication Skills: Assessing the ability to understand and effectively convey information.
- Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability: Puzzles, number series, coding-decoding, and other reasoning questions.
- Decision Making and Problem Solving: Situational analysis questions that test practical judgment.
- General Mental Ability: Basic reasoning and analytical skills.
- Basic Numeracy: Numbers and their relations, order of magnitude, data interpretation charts, graphs, tables (Class X level).
How to Apply Online for MPSC Civil Services Gazetted Combined Preliminary Exam 2026
The application process for the MPSC Civil Services Gazetted Combined Preliminary Exam 2026 Online Form is conducted entirely online through the official MPSC website. Candidates should follow these steps to successfully submit their application:
- Visit the official MPSC website or navigate through a reliable source like Sarkari Result All (https://www.sarkariresultall.in/).
- Locate the "Online Application" section and find the link specifically for the MPSC Civil Services Gazetted Combined Preliminary Exam 2026 notification.
- Read the official notification carefully to understand all eligibility criteria, application fees, and instructions.
- If you are a new user, register by creating a profile (One Time Registration - OTR). Existing users can log in directly.
- Fill in all required details in the online application form, including personal information, educational qualifications, and contact information.
- Upload scanned copies of required documents, including photograph and signature, following the specifications provided by MPSC regarding size and format.
- Review the application form thoroughly before final submission. Errors in the form can lead to rejection.
- Pay the application fee online using available payment methods (Net Banking, Credit Card, Debit Card). The fee varies based on the candidate's category.
- Print the final submitted application form and the payment receipt for future reference.
The application window for the MPSC Gazetted Combined Preliminary Exam 2026 is highly anticipated. Candidates are advised to prepare all necessary documents in advance to avoid last-minute issues during the application process. The Maharashtra Public Service Commission ensures a transparent and standardized procedure for all applicants.
Candidates can find additional resources, detailed syllabus breakdowns, and previous year's papers on educational portals like Sarkari Result All, which serves as a comprehensive platform for government job updates and results. The MPSC Civil Services Gazetted Combined Preliminary Exam 2026 presents a significant opportunity for individuals seeking a career in public administration in Maharashtra.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding MPSC Civil Services Gazetted Combined Preliminary Exam 2026
What is the MPSC Civil Services Gazetted Combined Preliminary Exam 2026?
The MPSC Civil Services Gazetted Combined Preliminary Exam 2026 is a recruitment examination conducted by the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) to select candidates for various Group-A and Group-B gazetted posts within the state government. This specific recruitment drive is for a total of 87 posts, including roles like Assistant Executive Officer and Assistant Project Officer.
How many posts are available in this notification?
As per the official notification for the MPSC Civil Services Gazetted Combined Preliminary Exam 2026, there are a total of 87 posts available. These posts are distributed across different departments and include various gazetted roles.
What is the eligibility criteria for the MPSC Combined Preliminary Exam 2026?
The primary eligibility criteria include a Bachelor's Degree from a recognized university. Candidates must meet the prescribed age limit, which typically ranges from 19 to 38 years for open category candidates, with age relaxation provided for reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC) as per government rules.
What is the selection process for these 87 Gazetted Posts?
The selection process consists of three stages: 1. Preliminary Examination (Objective type, screening test), 2. Main Examination (Descriptive/Objective type), and 3. Interview/Personality Test. Candidates must qualify each stage to proceed to the next.
Is there negative marking in the MPSC Preliminary Exam?
Yes, typically there is negative marking in the MPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination. For most MPSC exams, 1/4th (25%) of the marks allotted to a question are deducted for every incorrect answer. Candidates should carefully review the specific rules for negative marking mentioned in the official notification.
When will the online application process for the 2026 exam begin?
The exact dates for the online application process are currently listed as 'Not Available' by the Maharashtra Public Service Commission as of 30 December 2025. It is expected that the application window will open shortly in early 2026. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official MPSC website or Sarkari Result All for updates on the application start and end dates.
What are the key posts included in the MPSC Civil Services Gazetted Combined Preliminary Exam 2026?
The notification for the MPSC Civil Services Gazetted Combined Preliminary Exam 2026 includes several important positions, notably Assistant Executive Officer (Grade-A), Assistant Project Officer (Grade-B), Deputy Chief Executive Officer, State Program Officer, and Zonal Administrative Officer (Technical). These posts are highly sought after in the state administration.