90% appear for State Service Main Exam '26 on Day 1

Indore : The Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC) State Service Main Examination-2026 began on Monday with around 90% attendance recorded across the state, including Indore. In Indore city, 2,428 candidates appeared across six centres. The three-hour offline examination was held from 10 am to 1 pm, with candidates undergoing CCTV surveillance, biometric verification, e-admit card scanning and frisking. The examination was conducted at centres across major cities and divisional headquarters in the state. 'About 90% attendance was recorded across the state with no cases of unfair means (UFM) reported anywhere on the first day,' said the commission officer on special duty R Panchbahi. The first paper drew a largely moderate response from candidates. Most described the question paper as neither very difficult nor easy. Several candidates felt it was somewhat easier than last year's paper, although some questions required deeper subject knowledge and precise understanding of specific topics. A candidate, Mohita Sharma, said questions covered state rankings and factual aspects, while the pattern of questions from ancient history was somewhat different this year. Comparing it with last year's paper, she found this year's paper relatively easier. She said around 50% to 60% of candidates may have managed a good attempt. She expected the cutoff to rise slightly compared with last year and estimated it could be around 19-20. Another candidate, Kamlesh Kumar, described the paper as average to moderate and broadly comparable with last year's examination. He said there were no exceptionally difficult questions, but some were specific and required detailed knowledge. Writing answers to such questions within the prescribed two-page limit was challenging for some candidates. Geography also included fact-based questions. Kumar cited a question on jowar cultivation that required candidates to identify four states. Such questions, he said, tested familiarity with specific information rather than broad conceptual understanding. Candidates generally felt the three-hour duration was sufficient. However, those spending more time writing detailed answers faced pressure in the later sections. Some said they lost five to 10 minutes in the initial part, making time management more difficult towards the end. Candidates expect the cutoff to remain close to last year's level, though some believe the comparatively easier paper could push it up slightly. The State Service Main Examination will continue till Sept 12. With heavy rainfall reported in several districts of the state, the commission has advised candidates appearing on the remaining days to reach their examination centres well in advance. The advisory will remain in place till Sept 12 to avoid delays caused by rain and possible disruptions on roads. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Indore | Silver Rate in Indore | Bank Holidays in Indore | Public Holidays in Indore | Petrol Price in Indore | Diesel Price in Indore | CNG Price in Indore | LPG Price in Indore Stay updated with the latest Indore news. Download the TOI App.