Official MPSC 2026 Exam Calendar: Prelims, Mains & Course Stream Details
- laxmi mane
- Jan 14
- 4 min read
INTRODUCTION
For students in Maharashtra, the MPSC 2026 Calendar is more than just a list of dates—it is a roadmap for academic and professional excellence. Navigating the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) exams requires a deep understanding of the diverse course streams, from Engineering and Agriculture to Administration and Forest Services.
As we enter 2026, the commission has introduced significant updates to the exam patterns and schedules. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the MPSC 2026 Exam Calendar, focusing on the academic streams and course-specific details to help you align your university studies with your competitive exam goals.
📅 Highlights of the MPSC 2026 Exam Calendar
The MPSC 2026 Calendar dictates the pace of preparation for lakhs of aspirants. This year, the focus remains on the "Gazetted Combined" pattern, which streamlines several technical and administrative streams into a unified preliminary stage.
Key Dates to Remember
MPSC Rajyaseva (State Services) Prelims 2026: May 31, 2026
MPSC Group B (Non-Gazetted) Prelims 2026: June 14, 2026
MPSC Group C Combined Prelims 2026: July 12, 2026
🏛️ Course Streams and Technical Specifications
One of the most critical aspects for students is choosing the right academic stream. The MPSC 2026 examinations are categorized based on the educational background and the technical specialization of the courses.
1. Maharashtra Civil Services (Gazette) Stream
The State Services exam is the crown jewel of the MPSC 2026 Calendar. As of 2026, the commission has fully transitioned to a Descriptive Pattern for the Mains, mirroring the UPSC structure.
Eligibility: Graduation in any stream (Arts, Science, Commerce, etc.).
Course Structure: Includes 9 descriptive papers totaling 1750 marks.
Special Note: Students from humanities and social science backgrounds often find their university curriculum (History, Political Science, Sociology) directly overlapping with the MPSC GS papers.
2. Engineering and Technical Streams
For students pursuing professional courses, the MPSC offers specialized streams:
Civil Engineering Services: Focuses on infrastructure and public works.
Electrical/Mechanical Engineering Services: Tailored for technical administrative roles.
Exam Window: Preliminary exams for these technical streams are often integrated with the Gazetted Combined Prelims on May 31, 2026.
3. Agricultural and Forest Services
These streams are ideal for students from the Science and Agriculture fraternity.
Agricultural Services: Requires a degree in B.Sc. Agriculture or allied fields.
Forest Services: Open to graduates in Science or Engineering with specific subject combinations (Botany, Chemistry, Physics, etc.).
If you are currently in your final year of a degree course, ensure your graduation results are declared before the Mains application window opens, as per the MPSC 2026 schedule.
📑 Detailed MPSC 2026 Exam Schedule Table
Examination Name | Notification Month | Prelims Exam Date | Mains Exam Date |
State Services (Rajya Seva) 2026 | December 2025 | May 31, 2026 | Oct 3, 17, 18 & 24, 2026 |
Non-Gazette Group B Combined | March 2026 | June 14, 2026 | December 5, 2026 |
Non-Gazette Group C Combined | April 2026 | July 12, 2026 | December 13, 2026 |
Forest Service (Gazette) | January 2026 | May 31, 2026 | December 5, 2026 |
Engineering Services (Civil) | January 2026 | May 31, 2026 | To be announced |
🔄 Major Pattern Changes in 2026
Success in the MPSC 2026 Calendar exams requires adapting to the latest evaluation norms. Starting March 1, 2026, the commission has implemented several reforms for objective-type exams:
Five Options System: Every MCQ will now have five answer options instead of four.
Mandatory Selection: It is mandatory to select an option. If you are unsure of the answer, you must select the "fifth option." Failing to mark any option will result in a 25% mark deduction for that question.
Negative Marking: The standard negative marking remains at 1/4th (25%) of the marks assigned to the question.
🎓 Stream-Wise Preparation Strategy
For Arts and Commerce Students
Focus on the General Studies (GS) papers. Your degree subjects like Economics, Indian Constitution, and Modern History are the backbone of the MPSC syllabus. The descriptive pattern for the 2026 Rajyaseva Mains means you should practice essay-writing and answer-framing from the first day of your academic semester.
For Science and Engineering Students
The CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) is often a strong point for technical students. However, remember that for Rajyaseva, CSAT is qualifying (33% required). Your primary focus should be on the GS Paper I (General Studies) to clear the Prelims cutoff.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When will the official MPSC 2026 Calendar be released?
The tentative MPSC 2026 Calendar was released in late 2025, with major prelims like the State Services Gazette Combined scheduled for May 31, 2026.
Q2. What are the key dates for Group B and Group C in the MPSC 2026 Calendar?
According to the MPSC 2026 Calendar, the Group B Combined Prelims will take place on June 14, 2026, and the Group C Combined Prelims on July 12, 2026.
Q3. Is the 2026 Rajya Seva exam descriptive or objective?
As per the MPSC 2026 Calendar and updated guidelines, the State Services (Rajya Seva) Mains exam is now descriptive in nature, similar to the UPSC CSE pattern.
Q4. Are there any changes to the marking scheme in the MPSC 2026 Calendar?
Yes, for objective exams held after March 2026, a new 5-option OMR system has been introduced. Not marking any option will lead to a 25% negative marking penalty.
Q5. Can final year students apply for exams listed in the MPSC 2026 Calendar?
Yes, final year students can appear for the Preliminary examinations. However, they must possess their degree certificate or final results at the time of applying for the Mains examination.
🚀 Conclusion
The MPSC 2026 Calendar offers a structured path for students across various educational streams to serve the state of Maharashtra. Whether you are from a technical engineering background or a traditional arts stream, the 2026 exams demand a blend of academic depth and disciplined practice. Staying updated with the official notifications on mpsc.gov.in is essential as dates remain tentative and subject to government requirements.
For more detailed guides on university courses, stream selection, and academic counseling, visit collegesimplified.in.
Would you like me to create a customized study plan based on your specific academic stream (e.g., Engineering vs. Arts) for the May 31st Prelims?
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