Pune: A significant evaluation error has been reported in the ‘Inspector of Legal Metrology Group B Main Exam 2023’ conducted by the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC). This has raised serious concerns about the transparency of the descriptive method of examination.
Following this incident, some students have demanded that the upcoming Maharashtra Gazetted Civil Services Exam (State Services Exam), scheduled for September, should be conducted in the objective multiple-choice format instead of the descriptive format. However, a section of students continues to support the descriptive method.
The Shift to Descriptive Exams: How It Started
To review the syllabus, structure, and format of MPSC exams, a committee led by retired IAS officer Chandrakant Dalvi was formed. This committee suggested aligning MPSC’s State Services Main Exam with UPSC’s model, recommending the descriptive format. Based on these recommendations, MPSC initially decided to introduce the descriptive method in 2023.
However, some students opposed this change, leading the commission to postpone the implementation to 2025. Since then, thousands of aspirants have begun preparing for the descriptive format, expecting it to be enforced as planned.
Objective vs. Descriptive: The Debate Continues
The State Services Exam has followed the objective multiple-choice format since 2012. This format is widely accepted because it:
Provides equal opportunities to all candidates
Ensures quick and fair evaluation
Maintains accuracy and transparency
Allows self-assessment
On the other hand, the descriptive format is considered:
Time-consuming
Prone to subjective variations in scoring
Dependent on additional manpower for evaluation
Given MPSC’s limited human resources, students opposing the descriptive format argue that it is unnecessary and impractical to implement.
Many students supporting the descriptive method argue that:
The MPSC already delayed its implementation by two years (from 2023 to 2025); further opposition is unjustified.
Lakhs of students have trusted the commission’s decision and prepared for the descriptive format for three years—what about their future?
The Maharashtra government has already invested in training programs for the descriptive method through institutions like SARTHI, BARTI, Mahajyoti, and TRTI, with scholarships allocated. If the format is changed, ₹150 crore of investment will go to waste.
In 26 states, Group A and Group B gazetted officer exams are already conducted in the descriptive format.
