MPSC Scraps ‘Opting Out’ System for All Competitive Exams Amid Misuse Allegations
Pune, 14th May 2026: The Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) has decided to discontinue the “opting out” facility in its recruitment process following allegations of misuse.
The decision was announced by MPSC Secretary Mahendra Harpalikar through a circular issued on Wednesday. The revised rule has come into immediate effect for all competitive and departmental examinations conducted by the commission.
The “opting out” facility was introduced around 2022-23 to streamline the recruitment process. Under the system, candidates selected in the provisional merit list could voluntarily withdraw from the recruitment process. The objective was to ensure that vacant posts could be allotted to other deserving candidates and that government positions did not remain unfilled.
However, over time, complaints and discussions emerged regarding the alleged misuse of the facility and possible financial transactions linked to it. In view of these concerns, the commission reviewed the matter during a meeting held on Wednesday and decided to abolish the provision entirely.
MPSC clarified that the “opting out” or consent withdrawal facility will no longer be available for any examination conducted by the commission.
The commission also stated that waiting lists will continue only for single-cadre recruitment processes. In multi-cadre recruitments, there will be no waiting list system.
Further, in multi-cadre recruitment processes, if a candidate has already secured an appointment to a particular post and has given preference for the same or a lower-ranked post, the candidate will not be considered again for recommendation to that post or any lower-ranking post.
Mahesh Bade of the Students Rights Association said the facility was originally introduced with the intention of providing opportunities to more candidates and preventing vacancies from remaining unfilled.
“The idea behind the opting out facility was positive, but it was misused. As a result, the commission had to withdraw it,” he said.
