The Mahajyoti and Vanarti examination for free coaching and scholarships linked to the MPSC Combined Group B and C preliminary examination was disrupted at centres across Maharashtra on Wednesday, prompting the cancellation of tests at one centre each in Pune and Nanded and a re-examination for affected students on October 10.
Mahajyoti said the examination was conducted at 64 centres. The test at Sun Bright English Medium School in Pune was cancelled because of a technical login issue, while the examination at Marathwada Online Exam Centre in Nanded was also cancelled. Students affected at the two centres are expected to appear for the re-examination announced for October 10.
Candidates alleged that several centres lacked adequate computers and seating arrangements. According to students, four to five candidates were made to sit before a single computer at some locations, while some candidates were allegedly allowed to discuss answers during the examination. These allegations could affect the fairness of an examination intended to identify beneficiaries for coaching and scholarship support.
Several students also said they were denied entry despite being instructed to report at 9 am. A student denied entry at a Pune centre said 38 female candidates were turned away after being told that computers were unavailable. “We have travelled from far-off places after spending money. If the centre lacked capacity, why were so many students assigned there?” she said.
Mahajyoti managing director Milind Naringe said the Pune examination was cancelled because of the technical login problem. He denied allegations of a paper leak or malpractice and said CCTV footage from all classrooms would be examined. Naringe said strict action would be taken against examination centres and invigilators found responsible for irregularities.
The disruption has placed the examination system’s centre allocation, technology readiness and on-ground supervision under scrutiny. Candidates travelling from outside Pune and other cities faced additional costs and uncertainty after reporting to centres that were allegedly unable to accommodate them. For applicants seeking free coaching and scholarships, the examination is also a gateway to publicly supported preparation for competitive government recruitment examinations.
NCP MLA Rohit Pawar criticised the administration and alleged that five students were made to take the examination on a single computer, while several candidates were denied entry despite arriving on time. He demanded accountability for the reported mismanagement. The immediate official next step is the re-examination for affected candidates on October 10, alongside the review of CCTV footage and any action against centres or invigilators found responsible.
