MPSC Exam Pattern & Syllabus (Maharashtra)
The Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) conducts the State Service Examination to recruit candidates for administrative positions in the state. The selection process is divided into three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview, each designed to evaluate different skills of the candidate.
- Preliminary Examination: A screening phase consisting of two objective-type papers.
- Mains Examination: A more detailed evaluation of the candidate’s subject knowledge.
- Interview/Personality Test: The final stage to assess suitability for administrative leadership.
Stage I: Preliminary Examination Details
The Preliminary stage serves as a gatekeeper to shortlist candidates for the Mains. Both papers are compulsory and follow an objective format.
| Paper No. | Marks | Duration | Standard | Medium |
| Paper I | 200 | 2 Hours | Degree | Marathi & English |
| Paper II | 200 | 2 Hours | Mixed (Degree to Class X/XII)* | Marathi & English |
Note on Paper II Standards:
- Topics 1–5: Degree Level
- Topic 6: Class X Level
- Topic 7: Class X/XII Level
It is important to note that as of recent updates (effective from 2022 and continuing into 2026), Paper II (CSAT) is qualifying in nature. You must score a minimum of 33% (approx. 66 marks) in Paper II for your Paper I (General Studies) to be evaluated and considered for the merit list.
Paper I: General Studies (GS)
This paper determines your merit for the Mains. It focuses on your knowledge of the state, nation, and world.
- Current Affairs: Events of local, national, and international importance.
- History: Focus on the Indian National Movement with a special emphasis on Maharashtra.
- Geography: Physical, social, and economic geography of India, the World, and Maharashtra.
- Polity & Governance: Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, and Public Policy in India and Maharashtra.
- Economics & Social Development: Sustainable development, poverty, inclusion, and demographics.
- Environment & Science: General issues on Ecology, Biodiversity, Climate Change, and basic General Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology).
Paper II: Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT)
This paper tests your logical and analytical abilities. While it is qualifying, it requires a strategic approach.
- Comprehension: Includes passages in English and Marathi.
- Reasoning: Logical reasoning, analytical ability, and general mental ability.
- Decision Making: Problem-solving skills (typically these questions do not have negative marking).
- Basic Numeracy: Math and Data Interpretation (Charts, Graphs, Tables) at a Class X level.
- Communication: Interpersonal and communication skills.
Quick Strategy Tips
- The “Maharashtra” Factor: For Paper I, always prioritize the Maharashtra-specific aspects of History, Geography, and Polity, as these carry significant weight.
- Negative Marking: Be careful there is a negative marking of 1/4th (0.25) for every incorrect answer in both papers.
- CSAT Priority: Since CSAT is qualifying, ensure you are comfortable with at least 2–3 sections (like Comprehension or Reasoning) to safely cross the 66-mark threshold without over-investing time.
Based on the images provided and the latest 2026 examination criteria, the MPSC Rajyaseva Mains has transitioned into a Descriptive (Conventional) format, mirroring the UPSC pattern. This is a significant shift from the previous objective-only format..
MPSC Mains: Structure & Scoring
The Mains consist of 9 papers in total. Two are qualifying (language), while the remaining seven determine your rank for the final merit list.
1. Qualifying Language Papers
You must secure at least 25% marks in each of these to have your other papers evaluated. These marks are not counted for the final merit.
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Medium | Duration |
| Paper 1 | Marathi | 300 | Marathi | 3 Hours |
| Paper 2 | English | 300 | English | 3 Hours |
2. Papers Counted for Merit (Rank Determination)
These seven papers form the core of your score. Each paper is 250 marks, totaling 1,750 marks.
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Nature |
| Paper 3 | Essay (Marathi or English) | 250 | Descriptive |
| Paper 4 | General Studies I (History, Geography, Agriculture) | 250 | Descriptive |
| Paper 5 | General Studies II (Polity, Governance, Law) | 250 | Descriptive |
| Paper 6 | General Studies III (HRD & Human Rights) | 250 | Descriptive |
| Paper 7 | General Studies IV (Economy, Science & Tech) | 250 | Descriptive |
| Paper 8 | Optional Subject Paper I | 250 | Descriptive |
| Paper 9 | Optional Subject Paper II | 250 | Descriptive |
Stage III: Interview & Final Selection
After clearing the written Mains, the final hurdle is the Personality Test.
- Interview Marks: 275 Marks
- Total Merit Score: 1,750 (Mains) + 275 (Interview) = 2,025 Marks
Peer Tip: Unlike the Prelims, where you just need to pick the right option, the Mains now require high-level answer writing skills. You aren’t just tested on facts, but on your ability to analyze issues and present them coherently in a descriptive format.
Important Changes to Note for 2026
- Descriptive Shift: Ensure your preparation includes daily answer writing practice, as the “Conventional” nature means you’ll be writing long-form essays and answers.
- Optional Subjects: You must choose one optional subject from the MPSC-approved list (e.g., History, Sociology, Political Science, etc.) which will have two dedicated papers.
The third stage of your preparation involves mastering the MPSC Rajyaseva Mains and identifying an Optional Subject. Since the pattern is now descriptive (Conventional), your focus shifts from “recall” to “analysis and presentation.”
Detailed Breakdown: General Studies (GS) I to IV
Each GS paper is worth 250 marks with a 3-hour duration. The syllabus is deeply integrated with Maharashtra’s context.
| Paper | Core Focus Areas | Key Topics |
| GS I | History & Geography | Indian Heritage & Culture, Modern Indian History (Special focus on Maharashtra’s social reformers), World History, Physical Geography, and Agriculture. |
| GS II | Governance & Polity | Indian Constitution, Social Justice, Statutory/Regulatory bodies, International Relations, and the Role of Civil Services in a democracy. |
| GS III | Technology & Economy | Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management. Includes Food Processing and Land Reforms. |
| GS IV | Ethics & Aptitude | Ethics and Human Interface, Attitude, Emotional Intelligence, Public/Civil Service Values, and Case Studies on administrative dilemmas. |
List of Optional Subjects (2026 Pattern)
You must choose one subject from this list. You will write two papers (Paper I & II) for your chosen subject, each worth 250 marks.
Literature & Humanities
- Marathi Literature / English Literature
- History / Geography
- Political Science & International Relations (PSIR)
- Sociology / Anthropology
- Philosophy / Psychology / Public Administration
Sciences & Engineering
- Agriculture / Botany / Zoology
- Physics / Chemistry / Mathematics / Statistics
- Geology / Medical Science / Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
- Civil / Mechanical / Electrical Engineering
Commerce & Management
- Commerce & Accountancy
- Economics
- Management / Law
How to Choose the “Right” Optional?
Choosing an optional is a long-term commitment. Don’t just pick what’s “trending”-pick based on these three pillars:
- Academic Background: If you have a degree in a technical field (like Engineering or Medicine), you may have a head start, though the syllabus is often vast.
- Syllabus Overlap: Subjects like History, Geography, PSIR, and Sociology have significant overlap with the GS papers, potentially reducing your overall study load.
- Resource Availability: Ensure you can find quality Marathi or English study material and a mentor/test series for that specific subject.
Peer Tip: Most toppers suggest reading the NCERTs or State Board books for 2–3 subjects you’re interested in for a week. The one that keeps you curious even after 4 hours of reading is usually your best bet.