MPSC Exams
The premier state-level examination conducted by MPSC for Group A and Group B gazetted posts such as Deputy Collector, Deputy Superintendent of Police and Tahsildar.
The MPSC Rajyaseva examination is the most prestigious state-level competitive exam in Maharashtra, held annually by the Maharashtra Public Service Commission to fill Group A and Group B gazetted posts such as Deputy Collector, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Tahsildar and Block Development Officer.
Since 2023 the commission has moved the Main examination to a descriptive format modelled on the UPSC civil services exam, which means objective practice alone is no longer enough - answer writing now matters just as much.
The exam runs in three stages: Prelims, Mains and Interview. Prelims is only a screening test; the final merit list is built from Mains and Interview marks.
Age is calculated as on the date stated in the notification (usually 1 March).
| Category | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Open | 19 years | 38 years |
| Backward classes (SC/ST/OBC/SBC/VJNT) | 19 years | 43 years |
| Persons with disability | 19 years | 45 years |
Note: The upper limit differs for DySP and similar posts, which also carry physical standards. Always check the table in the current notification.
Age limit calculator
Enter your date of birth to see how many years you have left.
Two objective papers. Prelims marks do not count towards the final merit; it is purely a screening stage.
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies | 100 | 200 | 2 hours |
| Paper II | CSAT | 80 | 200 | 2 hours |
Paper II is qualifying with a minimum of 33%. A wrong answer carries a 25% negative mark.
Descriptive since 2023: nine papers, of which two language papers are qualifying and seven are counted.
A 275-mark personality test. Final merit = Mains + Interview.
Deputy Collector, DySP and Tahsildar posts sit in pay level S-20 (₹56,100 - ₹1,77,500), with gross pay of roughly ₹75,000 - ₹85,000 including allowances. Group B posts such as BDO sit in S-15.
Cut-offs move each year with vacancies, paper difficulty and the number of candidates. Recent Prelims cut-offs have trended around 105-125 (Open), 100-120 (OBC) and 90-110 (SC) out of 200. Treat these as indicative only; the commission publishes the official figures after each result. Aim for 15-20 marks above the expected cut-off.
Most candidates start with books and lose weeks on material the commission never asks about. Print the official syllabus and tick items off against it.
Past papers tell you the depth the commission expects. Our MPSC PYQ app carries them sorted by subject.
Since 2023 the Mains is descriptive - practise at least two written answers a day.
Fifteen minutes a day, then a full revision at month end, with extra weight on Maharashtra.
A third reading of the same book beats a first reading of a new one. Target three revisions per topic.
Tests teach time management and expose your error pattern. Analyse every test afterwards.
| Stage | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Notification released | January - February | Tentative |
| Online application | Three weeks after notification | Tentative |
| Prelims | April - June (expected) | Tentative |
| Mains | September - October (expected) | Tentative |
| Interview | January - March next year | Tentative |
There is no attempt limit for MPSC Rajyaseva. You may appear as often as you like while you remain within the age limit - a significant difference from UPSC.
Yes, for the Prelims. Proof of graduation must be produced when applying for the Main examination.
19 to 38 years for the open category. Reserved categories get a five-year relaxation, taking the upper limit to 43. Separate relaxations apply to ex-servicemen and candidates with disabilities. Age is counted as on the cut-off date stated in the advertisement, not the date you apply.
No. CSAT is qualifying only: you need at least 33%, but those marks do not enter the merit list.
A degree in any discipline from a recognised university. Final-year students may sit the prelims, but the degree must be complete by the time of the mains. A few specific posts require a particular stream.
Yes. The essay and General Studies papers may be written in either Marathi or English, but you cannot mix the two within one paper.
Three — Prelims (objective, screening only), Mains (descriptive) and an interview. Prelims marks do not count towards the final merit list; they only decide who writes the Mains. Selection is on Mains plus interview.
Roughly 12-18 months of full-time study; two to three years alongside a job. Consistency and revision matter more than the total months.
Group A and Group B gazetted posts such as Deputy Collector, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Tahsildar, Block Development Officer and Assistant Commissioner. Which one you get depends on your final rank and the preference order you submitted.
Yes. Many selected candidates prepared without coaching. Three things are needed: State Board textbooks for classes 6–12, the commission's past papers, and regularly attempted mock tests. Most people skip the third, and it is the one that moves the score most.
Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC)
