MPSC Students’ Protest Ends: Government and Students Reach Agreement; Tukaram Mundhe to Head Enquiry Commission
Pune, October 12, 2026: After 11-days of protesting against irregularities during MPSC exams, students called off the protest after Maharashtra government accepted majority of their demands, late on Sunday, October 11.
Public Works Minister Shivendrasinhraje Bhosale visited the S.M. Joshi Bridge protest site at SM Joshi Bridge in Navi Peth area of Pune to deliver an official proposal announcing a judicial inquiry commission under Justice Dilip Bhosale into exam paper leaks since 2021, a commitment to conduct all future MPSC exams offline, and the unconditional withdrawal of all police charges against protesting candidates.
As soon as the news of MPSC Chairman, Vivek Bhimanwar, going on leave was announced, the whole crowd of students erupted in joy.
The government will establish a judicial inquiry commission under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952, headed by Justice Dilip Bhosale, to investigate all paper leak allegations since 2021.
Renowned IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe has been appointed as secretary to the inquiry commission, alongside panel members Justice P.D. Naik, senior police officer Lakhmi Gautam, and retired officer Ganesh Patil.
Under student pressure and to guarantee an unbiased, transparent probe, MPSC Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar (IAS) announced he is taking leave until the judicial inquiry is concluded. Additionally, MPSC Secretary Mahendra Harpalkar was transferred.
A total of 14+ Student Demands Were Accepted. Some of the most important demands that were accepted are:
- Offline Exam Format: All future MPSC examinations will strictly be conducted offline.
- Single-Card System: Implementation of a single ₹100 examination card for candidates covering all exams in a year (modeled after Rajasthan).
- Vacancy Boost & Timelines: A commitment to record vacancy increases, strict timelines for exam results, and mandatory waiting lists.
- Exam Pattern Consensus: Decisions regarding objective vs. descriptive exam patterns will align with the Radha Committee report and student consensus.
Withdrawal of Police Cases & Legal Notices
The government agreed to unconditionally drop all police cases registered against protesting students, coaching institute owners, and Telegram channel administrators, as well as revoke all issued legal notices
Student Jubilance & Political Reactions
Thousands of candidates celebrated at the S.M. Joshi Bridge protest venue following the sweet victory of their non-violent agitation (Satyagraha), while political leaders like MLA Rohit Pawar hailed the moment as an historic win for student unity.
