After NEET, MPSC Drug Inspector Exam Under Scanner Over Alleged Paper Leak

New Delhi: Following controversies surrounding the NEET-UG and Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) examinations, fresh allegations regarding the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) Drug Inspector Recruitment Examination have triggered serious concerns over the transparency and credibility of competitive recruitment processes.

Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) MLA Rohit Pawar has alleged that the examination process was compromised, claiming that the question paper was leaked through Kautilya Academy, a coaching institute in Nandurbar district, before the examination. He further alleged that despite candidates submitting complaints to the MPSC on 21 July, the Commission failed to initiate immediate action.

However, these allegations are yet to be independently verified and remain under investigation. The controversy has intensified political and public scrutiny, renewing demands for an independent, impartial, and time-bound inquiry to ensure transparency and accountability in public examinations.

Pawar alleged that nearly 90 out of the 100 questions in the actual examination matched a document circulated before the test, describing it as a serious violation of the recruitment process. He further claimed that the question paper was allegedly sold for ₹12 lakh, with candidates being asked to pay an advance amount of ₹5 lakh.

As reported by HT, Pawar alleged that the examination paper had been leaked by the paper setter to Kautilya Academy, a coaching institute in Nandurbar district. He claimed that approximately 90 of the 100 questions had been shared through WhatsApp two days before the examination after charging candidates ₹12 lakh each.

According to Pawar, "The messages were later deleted. However, one of the students forwarded the PDF, which matches with the actual exam paper, to a friend. It has now become crucial evidence." He also displayed screenshots of WhatsApp conversations allegedly showing the leaked paper being circulated and claimed that "Ten deliberately incorrect questions had been included in the leaked paper to avoid raising suspicions."

Pawar also questioned the examination results of two siblings, children of a deputy tehsildar, who secured high ranks in the merit list. While acknowledging that they could be genuinely meritorious, he said questions were being raised regarding whether they had benefited from the alleged paper leak.

Times of India reports that Pawar demanded an independent and impartial inquiry and later called for a CBI investigation into the alleged irregularities. He alleged that "The entire MPSC paper may not have been leaked, but the person who set the paper was compromised. The question paper was allegedly shared with candidates through WhatsApp and deleted within five minutes." He further claimed that students who initially complained to the MPSC had later faced pressure and intimidation.

Responding to the allegations, MPSC Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar clarified that the Commission had received an email complaint on 21 July, followed by another email containing screenshots of alleged WhatsApp chats. He stated that complainants were asked to submit evidence and appear before the Commission, but no one initially came forward. Bhimanwar further revealed that one complainant later claimed the allegations were based on incorrect assumptions. However, he emphasised, "To maintain the stature of the Commission, we are in the process of filing an FIR. Whatever the police probe reveals, we will take action accordingly."

The MPSC also stated that it had taken the allegations seriously and that a formal complaint would be lodged with the police after verification of the evidence and statements received. MPSC Secretary Mahendra Harpalakar confirmed that legal action would follow the verification process.

Regarding the complainants, Hindustan Times reported that two individuals—Gaurav Patil and Lokesh Patil—later retracted their allegations, stating that they had made the complaint "as a joke." However, another complainant, Hrishikesh Gangurde, maintained his allegations. In response, MPSC alleged that Gangurde was spreading rumours after failing to qualify in the examination and requested a police investigation into all aspects of the case.

Gangurde also stated publicly that he had not withdrawn his complaint and alleged that others involved were under pressure. He appealed to students to submit their complaints directly to the MPSC if they possessed relevant evidence.

Meanwhile, Pravin Patil, Director of Kautilya Academy, denied all allegations. Speaking to the media, he said, "I have committed no offence. I have never heard of an MPSC paper leak... I have never shared any examination paper with anyone on WhatsApp. I am ready to face any inquiry. The allegations against me are false."

The controversy has sparked political debate, with the Maharashtra Congress demanding a thorough investigation and support for affected students, while Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders questioned the handling of the complaints. At present, the allegations remain under investigation, and no findings have been established by the police or the MPSC.

According to Deccan Herald report, the issue was raised by the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), with Congress and NCP (SP) leaders alleging serious irregularities in the recruitment process. State Congress President Harshavardhan Sapkal alleged, "There are claims that the question paper for the MPSC Drug Inspector recruitment exam was already circulating on WhatsApp even before the exam took place, along with alleged irregularities in the scoring and official complaints backed by evidence coming to light... yet the government and the machinery remain silent."

Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar criticised the recruitment process, saying, "Due to paper leaks and corruption, the recruitment process in Maharashtra has been completely discredited. Lakhs of students toil year after year to prepare for exams, but corrupt rackets and the government's inaction are ruining their futures. Every time, it's first a denial, then verification, and finally a drama of inquiry – this has become the government's fixed formula."

At present, the allegations remain unproven, and no final findings have been established by the police or the MPSC. The outcome of the ongoing inquiry will determine whether any irregularities occurred in the MPSC Drug Inspector Recruitment Examination process.