Pune, 7th September 2026: Thousands of competitive examination aspirants from across Maharashtra took to the streets in Pune on Monday, demanding action over alleged irregularities in Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) examinations.
The protest march began around 10:30 am from Omkareshwar Temple and is scheduled to proceed towards the Pune District Collector’s Office. NCP MLA Rohit Pawar led the march, while MP Supriya Sule and other political leaders were also expected to participate. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray and CJPI’s Abhijit Dipke have extended support to the agitation.
The main demand of the protesting students is the immediate removal or resignation of MPSC Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar and Secretary, followed by the appointment of officials with a clean record.
Students said the alleged paper leak has seriously damaged their trust in the commission. Many aspirants come from financially difficult backgrounds and spend years preparing for competitive examinations, making transparency and credibility crucial.
One student said that the MPSC had been trusted because of its credibility, but the alleged paper leak had created uncertainty among thousands of candidates. The student demanded the immediate removal of the chairman and secretary and called for a strict investigation, including scrutiny of their assets and conduct.
The protest comes after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis held a meeting with representatives of competitive examination students and teachers. According to teacher and competitive examination activist Kiran Nimbhore, the government has shown a positive approach, but it has not accepted the key demand for the removal of the MPSC chairman and for action against him as a co-accused in the alleged irregularities.
Nimbhore said students would not withdraw the agitation merely on the basis of assurances. The protest, he said, would continue until their demands are accepted.
MLA Vikram Pachpute said the government has always maintained a positive approach towards the concerns of competitive examination students and is willing to resolve the issues through dialogue.
He also pointed out that MPSC is an autonomous constitutional body and that its chairman is appointed by the Governor. Therefore, the state government cannot directly demand the chairman’s resignation.
However, Pachpute said that if the chairman is found guilty during an investigation, appropriate action, including removal from office, would be taken. He also said he would request the Chief Minister to consider including student representatives or invitees in the inquiry committee.
Rohit Pawar said the government must take the concerns of students seriously and ensure that the MPSC functions transparently. He demanded that a clean and credible officer should replace the existing MPSC chairman.
He also referred to officers such as Tukaram Mundhe and Mahesh Zagade as examples of officials with clean public images. Pawar warned that failure to address the students’ concerns could lead to further political and public pressure on the government.
Immediate resignation or removal of the MPSC chairman and secretary and appointment of officials with clean records.
A response within eight days to objections raised over the Group-B examination and a detailed investigation into the alleged irregularities.
An inquiry into errors in the evaluation of descriptive papers for the State Services Main Examination 2025 and Agricultural Services Examination.
Public release of the preliminary inquiry report submitted by the Mumbai Crime Branch to MPSC.
A forensic audit of all examinations conducted during the tenure of arrested MPSC Under Secretary Abhijit Lendwe.
A detailed investigation into the service records and promotion criteria of accused officials Lendwe, Marathe and Nakhate.
Examination of the call detail records (CDRs) of candidates selected through contacts linked to the three accused officials.
A wider investigation into the alleged involvement of agents apart from Pravin Patil and Mayur Thackeray.
An independent inquiry into doubts raised by students regarding results of other MPSC examinations.
A forensic audit of suspicious results and successful candidates in the DI examination.
Conduct of the Group-C preliminary examination scheduled for October 25, 2026, in a completely transparent manner.
Restoration of the Stenographer post.
The students have made it clear that they want concrete action rather than assurances. The Pune march is therefore being seen as a major show of strength by competitive examination aspirants demanding greater transparency and accountability from MPSC.
