Pune: The Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) has announced sweeping changes to its objective examination answer sheets and evaluation process from March 1, 2026, aiming to enhance transparency, standardisation and accountability in its competitive exams in a move set to impact thousands of aspirants across the state.The notification said revised answer sheets will continue to be issued in two copies, in line with the commission’s existing policy. However, notable modifications have been made to the structure of the answer sheet, the method of shading answer circles and the evaluation rules. Negative marking has been clearly defined under the new evaluation method. As much as 25% (one-fourth) of the marks will be deducted in each question if the candidate does not shade any of the five options, shades more than one option, attempts to correct an answer or gives an incorrect answer. The circular by the joint secretary, IT, MPSC, on Dec 24 said, “If the total score results in a fractional number, it will be retained as such and not rounded off”. Officials said these changes are intended to reduce errors, curb malpractices and bring uniformity to evaluation process.
