Pune: Despite Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis showing a positive stance on providing one more chance to students who exceeded the age limit for key state-level recruitment examinations, the lack of official action has left nearly 55,000 to 60,000 aspirants in uncertainty.
These students, hoping for an extension of the age limit, are now at risk of losing their opportunity to appear for the Maharashtra Gazetted Civil Services Combined Preliminary Examination 2025 and the Maharashtra Non-Gazetted Group B and Group C Combined Preliminary Examination 2024.
The issue arose when delays in the recruitment process, caused by administrative hurdles and election-related activities, resulted in many students surpassing the maximum age limit. Students met Chief Minister Fadnavis at Vidhan Bhavan on December 9 during the legislative session to press for another chance.
Fadnavis had instructed Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik to address the matter promptly. However, no formal steps have been taken yet, prompting students to urge the government to fulfill its assurance.
Delayed Advertisement Leaves Aspirants Disqualified
The recruitment process, which was announced as part of the state government’s Amrit Mahotsav initiative for 75,000 posts, has been marred by delays.
Advertisements for positions under the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) were expected in February 2024 but were only released in October 2024. This nine-month delay resulted in many candidates exceeding the age limit, particularly for the Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) position.
The affected students argue that the delay was due to government inefficiencies, not their fault, and demand that the age limit cut-off date be adjusted to April 1, 2024, instead of February 1, 2025.
Upcoming Exam Adds Urgency
The Maharashtra Non-Gazetted Group B Preliminary Examination is scheduled for January 5. Students insist that action must be taken before this date to ensure their eligibility; otherwise, thousands will be unfairly disqualified.
Demand for Immediate Action
Current age limits are set at 31 for the open category, 34 for backward classes, and 36 for sportspersons.
Aspirants demand age limit calculations be revised to accommodate delays caused by administrative hurdles.
Approximately 50,000 to 60,000 students have been affected, many of whom were preparing for positions like Police Sub-Inspector.
"The delay in administrative processes is costing aspirants their future. The government must act swiftly to provide relief and restore eligibility for thousands of candidates," said a representative of the Maharashtra State Student Coordination Committee.
