The months-long delay in releasing the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) recruitment notification has left thousands of aspirants for the Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) and other non-Gazetted Group B and Group C posts in a challenging situation.
Due to a nearly nine-month delay in publishing the notification, an estimated 50,000 to 60,000 candidates may be unable to apply, as they have now surpassed the maximum age limit, local media reports suggest. The delay sparked a wave of frustration among aspirants, many of whom invested significant resources in their preparation, especially those from rural areas. They moved to cities like Pune to access coaching, study materials, or take other preparatory courses.
What’s the reason for this delay?
The MPSC’s delay is partially attributed to the code of conduct enforced in Maharashtra due to ongoing political campaigns for assembly elections. The code restricts the government from making any popular decisions that might influence voters, complicating efforts to adjust age limits or extend deadlines.
Explained: Candidates’ demand for age limit relaxation
A major point of contention surrounding the MPSC exams is the mandatory age limit. For general category candidates, the age cap is set at 31 years, while it is 34 years for candidates from backward categories and 36 years for sportspersons. Since the age is calculated as of February 1, 2025, many candidates who were previously eligible have now aged out due to the delayed exam notification.
In response, the Maharashtra State Student Coordination Committee is advocating for a two-year extension on the age limit to prevent unfair disqualification of affected candidates. They argue that this extension would support thousands of aspirants and be a fair adjustment given the unusual delay. Additionally, as an autonomous constitutional body, the MPSC has the authority to seek legal guidance from the Election Commission, potentially allowing it to adjust the age criteria without violating the code of conduct.
Aspirants voice discontent over limited vacancies for PSI post
In addition to age-related concerns, candidates have expressed dissatisfaction with the limited number of PSI vacancies this year. For the 2024 recruitment cycle, only 216 PSI posts are available, the lowest in the past decade. Here’s a breakdown of Group B and Group C vacancies.
For Group B posts, there are 480 vacancies including key positions such as 55 Assistant Room Officers, 209 State Tax Inspectors, and 216 Police Sub-Inspectors.
The Group C recruitment has announced 1,333 vacancies across multiple roles, including 39 Industry Inspectors, 482 Tax Assistants, 9 Technical Assistants, 17 Clerks, and 786 Clerk-Typists.
MPSC Group B & C recruitment notice 2024: Important dates
The long-awaited MPSC advertisements for Group B and Group C posts were finally published on October 9, 2024, with applications open from October 14 till today, November 4, 2024. The preliminary examination for Group B Services is scheduled for January 5, 2025, while the Group C Services Prelims will be held on February 2, 2025.