Jantar Mantar type stir in Maha?
Nagpur: Demanding greater transparency and accountability in Maharashtra Public Service Commission’s (MPSC) examination system, competitive exam teachers and aspirants have decided to intensify their agitation with a protest march in Nagpur on September 9. Vidarbha Competitive Examination Coordination Committee, Nagpur, has submitted an 18-point charter of demands to the govt and MPSC, calling for an institutional overhaul of the examination process in the wake of recent question paper leak controversy.
A major concern raised by the aspirants relates to unusual variations in marks in the state services main examination 2025. They cited instances where candidates reportedly scored 119 marks in one Geography optional paper but only three in another, while some candidates had 196 marks in Optional Paper 1 against 64 in Paper 2. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Nagpur | Silver Rate in Nagpur | Bank Holidays in Nagpur | Public Holidays in Nagpur | Petrol Price in Nagpur | Diesel Price in Nagpur | CNG Price in Nagpur | LPG Price in Nagpur Stay updated with the latest Nagpur news.
The students, however, said such disparities should not automatically be treated as proof of malpractice, but warrant a transparent explanation of the evaluation, moderation and standardisation processes. The protesters said their demands were aimed at restoring students’ confidence in the MPSC system and ensuring that years of preparation and financial and emotional investment by aspirants and their families were not undermined by shortcomings in the examination process. The protesters are now on a warpath with the commission, insisting that action should not be restricted to the particular leak case but should extend to the entire examination system. They have demanded an independent and time-bound probe into the alleged leak and past instances of possible examination malpractice. They have also sought temporary removal of the MPSC chairman, secretary and ministry-level officials connected with the examination process from responsibilities that could influence the inquiry. Among the key demands are fixing responsibility at every stage of an examination — from question-setting and printing to transportation, distribution, evaluation and declaration of results — and maintaining digital and physical audit trail. The aspirants have also sought stronger physical and cyber-security protocols for question papers and a transparent confidentiality mechanism. The group has demanded an independent online grievance redressal portal, time-bound mechanisms for probing examination malpractices, greater transparency in the appointment of MPSC members and regular audits of examination centres. It has also sought standardised evaluation systems for interviews and greater clarity on moderation and standardisation of marks in the state services main examination. Large variations in marks in GS papers were also cited. The aspirants have sought rechecking of cases involving highly unusual mark variations, disclosure of moderation and standardisation procedures, verification of answer sheets in cases involving exceptionally high Essay marks and failure in Language papers, and greater access to question-wise evaluation details. The committee has also proposed setting up an independent examination reform committee comprising representatives of the MPSC, govt departments, experts and students. It also wants comprehensive review and prepare a time-bound roadmap for permanent reforms. Download the TOI App.