Several students also asserted that the commission did not take into account the length of their preparation because it would be challenging for them to move to a new exam format so quickly.
Candidates who have been protesting since Monday in preparation for the Maharashtra Public Service Commission’s (MPSC) Rajyaseva examinations don’t appear to be getting any respite. These candidates are asking that the test format change and postponed until 2025.
The Maharashtra chief minister, meantime, was alert about the protest and asked the MPSC to postpone the implementation of the new exam pattern till 2025. Let’s examine what is so significant about the new exam format that it has civil service aspirants so upset.
a rise in the volume of papers
The main test now comprises nine questions instead of the previous six, which is a significant adjustment made by MPSC. Seven papers will required, including one for essay writing, four for general studies, and two on any subject the candidate chooses from the list of 26 optional subjects.
The two language exams follow the new structure and are qualifying in character. The remaining seven questions can completed in Marathi or English and required.
The shift in how inquiries are answere is one of the main causes of the complaint. According to the new test format, all nine papers will consist of descriptive-based questions identical to the main exams for the UPSC Civil Service. Applicants will given a word count on which to write their responses to the questions.
The grading system has changed
The test will given under the revised format for a total of 1,750 points. The merit score will no longer reflect the results earned on two language exams at 300 points each. To be eligible for the merit score, a candidate must receive at least 25% on each of these papers.
Under the former system, the merit was determine by adding the marks earned on each of the six papers. The four GS papers scored 150 points apiece, compared to 100 for each of the language exams. There were 800 total points available for the main test.
Candidates claim that even while it now facilitates their preparation for both civil service examinations concurrently, in the initial years it will clearly benefit those studying for the UPSC. Several students also asserted that the commission did not take into account the length of their preparation because it would be challenging for them to move to a new exam format so quickly.
Nevertheless, despite the state government’s recommendation to postpone the new exam pattern until 2025 in response to student complaints, the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) is steadfast in its determination to adopt it this year.