🏛️ MPSC Rajyaseva - Maharashtra State Service Examination
MPSC Rajyaseva 2026 - Mock Tests, Syllabus and Exam Pattern (Revised 9-Paper Mains)
Complete guide for MPSC Rajyaseva (Maharashtra Public Service Commission State Service Exam) - Maharashtra's premier civil services examination. Three stages: Prelims (2 papers × 200 marks, MCQ, -1/4 negative) → Mains (9 papers, 1,750 marks, descriptive, revised 2025-26) → Interview (100 marks). Major 2025-26 revision: Mains increased from 6 to 9 papers and 800 to 1,750 marks. Marathi paper is mandatory qualifying. 7 merit papers (Essay + 4 GS + 2 Optional) count in final merit. Strong Maharashtra-specific GK throughout. Free mock tests, paper-wise patterns, Maharashtra GK and expert tips.
9-Paper Mains (Revised)
1,750 Mains Merit Marks
Marathi Mandatory Qualifying
2 Optionals in Mains
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9
Mains Papers (Revised)
1,750
Mains Merit Marks
1,850
Total Final Merit Marks
-1/4
Prelims Negative Marking
229
2025-26 Vacancies
🔄 Major Revision: Mains Now 9 Papers, 1,750 Marks
MPSC revised the Mains format significantly. Now has 9 papers (up from 6) and 1,750 marks (up from 800). Marathi and English language papers are qualifying only. 7 papers carry merit marks: Essay + 4 GS papers + 2 Optionals × 250 marks each.
📋 Marathi Language is Mandatory Qualifying
Paper 1 (Marathi, 300 marks) is a qualifying paper - minimum 25% required. Non-Marathi speakers must prepare Marathi Grammar and comprehension specifically. Marathi marks do NOT count in merit but failing it disqualifies.
⚠️ New March 2026 Prelims Change: 5th Option + -1/4 Blanks
From March 2026, MPSC Prelims has a mandatory 5th option for unattempted questions. Leaving a question completely blank now also attracts a -1/4 penalty. Mark the 5th option for uncertain questions.
📋 Table of Contents
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🎯 Practice Mock Tests - Subject-wise
MPSC Prelims tests GS and CSAT. Mains GS papers cover History, Geography, Polity, Economy and Ethics with Maharashtra-specific content throughout. Practice below.
🏛️ MPSC Rajyaseva 2026 - At a Glance
Maharashtra's most prestigious state civil services exam. Recruits for Deputy Collector, Dy. SP, Tehsildar and 15+ other Group A and B state officer posts.
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What Posts Does MPSC Rajyaseva Recruit For?
MPSC recruits for prestigious Group A and B Maharashtra state cadre posts: Deputy Collector (handles revenue and administration at sub-district level); Deputy Superintendent of Police (Dy. SP); Tehsildar (revenue administration); Block Development Officer (BDO); Chief Executive Officer, Zilla Parishad; Nayab Tehsildar; Assistant Commissioner in various departments (Sales Tax, Labour, Co-operatives); District Registrar (Co-operative Societies); and 15+ other posts in departments of Home, Revenue, Finance, Agriculture and Social Welfare.
📊 MPSC Rajyaseva Prelims Pattern
Two MCQ papers on same day. Paper I (GS) determines ranking for Mains shortlisting. Paper II (CSAT) is qualifying only - must score 33% minimum. Both have -1/4 negative marking.
📄 Paper I - General Studies
100 MCQs - 200 marks - 2 hours - -1/4 negative - Used for Mains shortlisting
Topics (with Maharashtra-specific content throughout):
- History of India and Maharashtra - Ancient, Medieval, Modern
- Maharashtra's Freedom Movement - special emphasis
- Geography of India and Maharashtra
- Indian Constitution and Political System
- Maharashtra Polity and Governance
- Indian Economy and Maharashtra Economy
- General Science - Physics, Chemistry, Biology
- Science and Technology - recent developments
- Current Events - National, International, Maharashtra
- Environment and Ecology
+2 per correct answer. -0.5 per wrong (1/4 of 2). 2 hours. Bilingual (Marathi and English). Paper I rank determines Mains shortlisting. Strong Maharashtra focus throughout - 35-45% Maharastra-specific questions.
📄 Paper II - CSAT (Qualifying)
100 MCQs - 200 marks - 2 hours - -1/4 negative - QUALIFYING ONLY (min 33%)
Topics:
- Comprehension of passages
- Interpersonal skills including communication
- Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability
- Decision Making and Problem Solving
- General Mental Ability
- Basic Numeracy - numbers, data interpretation
- English Language Comprehension (Class X level)
- Data Interpretation - tables, charts, graphs
CSAT marks NOT counted in ranking. Must score minimum 33% (66 marks out of 200) to remain eligible. Decision-making questions in Paper II do NOT have negative marking. +2 per correct for other questions, -0.5 for wrong.
⚠️ New from March 2026: MPSC Prelims now has a mandatory 5th option in OMR. If you choose not to attempt a question, you must mark the 5th option. Completely leaving a question blank (no circle darkened) will attract a -1/4 mark penalty. The 5th option gives 0 marks with no penalty - use it for completely uncertain questions instead of guessing randomly.
📝 MPSC Mains Pattern - 9 Papers, 1,750 Merit Marks (Revised 2025-26)
Mains is completely descriptive. Major revision: 9 papers (from 6) and 1,750 marks (from 800). Language papers are qualifying only. 7 papers determine merit.
📚 Mains Syllabus Highlights - Paper-wise
All four GS papers have substantial Maharashtra-specific content alongside national topics. Maharashtra History, Bhakti Movement, Warkari tradition, Maharashtra economy are distinctive features.
GS I - History, Culture and Heritage
Maharashtra-specific content (dominant)
- Bhakti Movement and Saints of Maharashtra - Sant Dnyaneshwar, Namdev, Eknath, Tukaram, Ramdas
- Warkari tradition and Pandharpur pilgrimage
- Maratha Empire - Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Peshwa era
- Social Reform in Maharashtra - Jyotirao Phule, Dr. Ambedkar, Gopal Ganesh Agarkar
- Maharashtra's Freedom Struggle - Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal role in Pune
- Maharashtra formation - 1 May 1960 (Maharashtra Day)
Indian History
- Indian Heritage and Culture - Art, Literature, Architecture (ancient to modern)
- Modern Indian History - 1750 onwards, significant events and personalities
- Post-independence consolidation and development
- World History - Industrial Revolution, World Wars, colonialism and its impacts
GS II - Polity, Governance and Social Justice
Maharashtra Polity
- Maharashtra Governor, CM, Vidhan Sabha (288 seats) and Vidhan Parishad
- Maharashtra High Court - Bombay High Court (oldest in Asia)
- MPSC, State Election Commission, Maharashtra Lokayukta
- Panchayati Raj in Maharashtra - Zilla Parishad, Panchayat Samiti
- Urban Local Bodies - Municipal Corporations, Councils
- Maharashtra government schemes - Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Shetkari Karjmukti, Ladki Bahin Yojana
Indian Polity and Governance
- Constitution - Fundamental Rights, DPSP, Amendments
- Parliament, Executive, Judiciary structure
- Social Justice - Welfare Schemes, Rights of marginalized groups
- Human Rights - NHRC, SHRC, Role of NGOs
- International Relations - India's foreign policy, multilateral institutions
GS III - Economy, Science and Disaster Management
Maharashtra Economy
- Maharashtra is India's largest economy - GSDP, contribution to national GDP
- Mumbai - Financial capital of India; Sensex, NSE, BSE
- Maharashtra agriculture - sugarcane, cotton, onion, grapes
- Industry - Automobile (Pune), Pharma (Aurangabad), Textiles (Nagpur, Bhiwandi)
- IT and Services - Pune, Mumbai IT clusters
- Maharashtra state budget, Five Year Plans (historical)
- MIDC, Industrial corridors, Special Economic Zones
Indian Economy, Science and Disaster
- Indian Economy - Planning, Banking (RBI is in Mumbai), Fiscal Policy
- Science and Technology - Space (ISRO, VSSC), Biotech, IT, AI
- Environment - Climate change, biodiversity in Maharashtra (Western Ghats)
- Disaster Management - Earthquake zones (Latur 1993 was in Maharashtra), flood management
GS IV - Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude
- Ethics and Human Interface - essence, determinants, outcomes
- Attitude - content, structure, function, moral and political attitudes
- Aptitude and foundational values for civil services
- Emotional Intelligence - concepts, utilities, application in administration
- Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers - including Maharashtra saints
- Public/Civil Service Values - integrity, impartiality, non-partisanship
- Probity in governance - corruption, transparency, RTI
- Code of conduct for civil servants
- Case studies on ethical dilemmas in administration
- Maharashtra-specific case studies in governance ethics
📖 Optional Subject Choices (Papers 8 and 9)
MPSC offers optional subjects in Papers 8 and 9. Both papers are from the same subject. Choosing the right optional can significantly impact merit. Marathi Literature is uniquely available.
📖 Available Optional Subjects
AgricultureAnimal Husbandry and Veterinary Science BotanyChemistry Civil EngineeringCommerce and Accountancy EconomicsElectrical Engineering GeographyGeology HistoryLaw Marathi LiteratureMathematics Mechanical EngineeringMedical Science PhilosophyPhysics Political SciencePsychology Public AdministrationSociology StatisticsZoology
💡 How to Choose Optional
- Overlap with GS papers: Geography, History, Political Science, Public Administration overlap heavily with GS I-III - dual benefit from prep
- Academic background: Choose a subject you studied in graduation for depth familiarity
- Scoring potential: Science subjects (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Statistics) are objective with clear right/wrong answers - consistent scoring
- Marathi Literature: Unique to MPSC - high-scoring for fluent Marathi readers. Only in Marathi medium
- Sociology: Overlaps with GS II (social issues) - popular choice among MPSC aspirants
- Public Administration: Directly relevant to state administration - also good for interview discussions
📋 Optional Subject Medium
- Most optionals: Marathi or English (candidate's choice)
- Marathi Literature: Marathi only
- Engineering subjects: English medium only
- Medical Science: English medium only
- Candidate must indicate medium at the time of Mains application
- Optional papers 8 and 9 are from the same subject (Paper I and Paper II of that subject)
- Optionals can be answered in English even if GS papers are in Marathi
🟠 Marathi Paper and Maharashtra-Specific Knowledge
The Marathi language paper is mandatory qualifying. Maharashtra-specific content appears in all GS papers. Both are uniquely important for MPSC vs UPSC preparation.
📝 Marathi Language Paper (Qualifying)
Paper 1 (300 marks, 3 hours) tests Marathi language ability at Class 12 / Graduation level. Must score minimum 25% (75 marks) to qualify. Marks not counted in merit.
- Comprehension of Marathi prose and poetry passages
- Marathi Grammar - Sandhi, Samas, Vibhakti, Kaal (tense)
- Precis writing (Saranksh Lekhan) in Marathi
- Translation from English to Marathi and vice versa
- Short essays on social/contemporary topics in Marathi
- Vocabulary and idioms in Marathi (Muhavare, Vaakprachaar)
- Letter/report writing in Marathi
🏛️ Maharashtra History - Key Topics
- Maratha Empire - Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (1630-1680), administrative genius
- Shivaji's military strategy - Battle of Pratapgad, Surat, Purandar
- Peshwa era - Bajirao I (1720-1740), Maratha expansion at its peak
- Bhakti Movement saints - Sant Dnyaneshwar (Dnyaneshwari), Namdev, Tukaram (Abhangas), Eknath, Sant Janabai
- Social Reform - Jyotirao Phule (Satya Shodhak Samaj), Savitribai Phule
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar - born in Mhow (now MP) but major Maharashtra figure
- Bal Gangadhar Tilak - Lokmanya Tilak, Swadeshi movement, Home Rule League
- Gopal Krishna Gokhale - Moderate leader, mentor to Gandhi
- Maharashtra formation - 1 May 1960 after Samyukta Maharashtra Movement
🗺️ Maharashtra Geography
- Third largest state by area; second most populous
- Western Ghats (Sahyadri) - biodiversity hotspot, source of rivers
- Konkan coast - Raigad, Sindhudurg, Ratnagiri districts
- Deccan Plateau - interior Maharashtra, volcanic black soil (regur)
- Major rivers - Godavari, Krishna, Tapi, Bhima, Wardha, Wainganga
- Koyna Dam (major hydroelectric project), Ujani Dam, Bhandardara
- Districts - 36 districts; Mumbai (capital), Nagpur (winter capital, sub-capital)
- Wildlife - Tadoba (tigers), Melghat (Project Tiger), Pench, Navegaon
- Western Ghats - UNESCO Natural Heritage; threatened by development
📊 Maharashtra Economy and Current Affairs
- Maharashtra is India's largest state economy (GSDP ~35 lakh crore)
- Mumbai - financial capital; home of BSE, NSE, RBI HQ, SEBI
- Industrial hubs - Pune (auto, IT), Nashik (wine, pharmaceuticals), Aurangabad (Chikalthana MIDC), Nagpur (logistics)
- Agriculture - sugarcane (sugar cooperatives), cotton, onion, pomegranate, grapes (Nashik)
- Amul and Mahanand - dairy cooperatives
- State schemes - Ladki Bahin Yojana (women welfare), Atal Setu (India's longest sea bridge)
- Maharashtra Polity - Governor, CM, 288-seat Vidhan Sabha, Vidhan Parishad (78 seats)
- Two capitals - Mumbai (year-round), Nagpur (winter session)
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Graduation required. Age 18-38 for General. Maharashtra domicile for most posts. Knowledge of Marathi essential.
💰 Salary and Career
MPSC Rajyaseva recruits for Group A and B posts with structured career progression in Maharashtra state administration
📈 Previous Year Prelims Cut-off Marks
Prelims cut-offs for shortlisting to Mains. Paper I (GS) marks determine ranking. Paper II (CSAT) must clear 33% only.
💡 Expert Preparation Tips
From our faculty who have guided hundreds of MPSC Rajyaseva selected officers across multiple cycles
1
The Mains revision from 6 to 9 papers fundamentally changes the preparation strategy - understand the new structure first - MPSC revised its Mains examination significantly. Total merit marks went from 800 to 1,750. The number of merit papers went from 4 GS papers to Essay + 4 GS + 2 Optional papers (7 papers × 250 marks each). Two language papers (Marathi and English, 300 marks each) are qualifying only. This means optional subject choice is now extremely important - 500 out of 1,750 merit marks (28.5%) come from optionals alone. Choose your optional subject early and prepare it with the same seriousness as the GS papers. Candidates using UPSC CSE preparation material will find a major gap since UPSC has no language qualifying papers and the total mark structure is different.
2
Maharashtra-specific content is 35-45% of all GS papers - prepare it as a primary subject, not as supplementary reading - Every MPSC GS paper has substantial Maharashtra-specific content: GS I has Bhakti Movement saints (Dnyaneshwar, Tukaram, Eknath), Maratha Empire (Shivaji, Peshwas), Social Reform (Jyotirao Phule, Ambedkar, Tilak); GS II has Western Ghats geography, Maharashtra river systems, Koyna Dam; GS III has Maharashtra economy (Mumbai financial capital, Pune auto cluster, sugarcane, onion agriculture); GS IV has Maharashtra administrative ethics case studies. Candidates who prepare from UPSC-only study material and add Maharashtra content as an afterthought consistently underperform. Build Maharashtra-specific notes as primary study material alongside standard national content.
3
Marathi qualifying paper requires dedicated preparation - 25% minimum (75/300) is not automatic for weak Marathi speakers - The Marathi Language paper (Paper 1, 300 marks) is qualifying with a minimum of 25% (75 marks). While this seems low, many non-Marathi-medium educated candidates from urban Maharashtra underestimate the difficulty of the grammar, comprehension and translation sections at the level tested. The paper includes passage comprehension, precis writing, Marathi grammar (Sandhi, Vibhakti, Kaal), translation from English to Marathi, and essay writing in Marathi. Candidates weak in written Marathi should start preparation 6-8 months before Mains with daily practice - reading Marathi newspapers (Loksatta, Maharashtra Times), writing short Marathi paragraphs, and systematically studying Marathi grammar from Class 10-12 level textbooks.
4
MPSC and UPSC preparation overlaps 50-60% - dual preparation is efficient for eligible candidates - MPSC Rajyaseva GS papers I-IV cover the same broad subjects as UPSC CSE GS Papers I-IV. The primary MPSC-specific additions are: Maharashtra-specific content in every GS paper (35-45% of marks), the Marathi language qualifying paper, and the slightly lower analytical depth expected in answers. MPSC answers are generally shorter (150-250 words for 10-mark questions) compared to UPSC (250-300 words for 10 marks). UPSC has an optional subject paper (250 marks), while MPSC has TWO optional papers (250 marks each = 500 marks). Candidates in the UPSC age bracket (21-32 for General) can target both. MPSC upper age limit of 38 years (General) and 43 years (SC/ST/OBC women) gives meaningful additional time beyond the UPSC window.
5
Choose optional subject strategically based on overlap with GS papers AND personal comfort with the subject - Two optional papers (Papers 8 and 9) carry 500 marks = 28.5% of the 1,750 merit marks. This is a massive stake and optionals can determine whether you rank high enough for Deputy Collector vs Nayab Tehsildar posting. Key decision criteria: (1) Overlap with GS - Geography, History, Public Administration, Political Science have direct content overlap, reducing total study load; (2) Comfort and depth - choose a subject from your graduation for natural familiarity; (3) Answer writing medium - Engineering, Medical and some science subjects require English medium; (4) Scoring character - Mathematics, Statistics, Chemistry have objective answers with high scoring consistency; (5) Marathi Literature - extremely high scoring if you are a fluent Marathi reader but the subject requires deep literary knowledge of classical and modern Marathi texts.
6
MPSC now has 5th option and -1/4 penalty for blanks in Prelims from March 2026 - update your strategy - From the March 2026 cycle, MPSC Prelims introduced a mandatory 5th option. Completely leaving a question blank (not darkening any circle) now attracts a -1/4 mark penalty - same as a wrong answer. Mark the 5th option for questions you want to skip entirely. This 5th option gives 0 marks with no penalty. For uncertain questions: if you can eliminate 2 of 5 options (including the 5th option = "safe skip"), attempt from the remaining 3; if you cannot eliminate anything, mark the 5th option rather than random guessing. Important: Paper II (CSAT) questions on decision-making do NOT have negative marking at all - attempt all such questions regardless of certainty. For Paper I (GS), use the 5-tier strategy: confident (mark answer), can eliminate 2+ options (mark best guess), completely uncertain (mark 5th option).
❓ Frequently Asked Questions - MPSC Rajyaseva 2026
Most searched questions about MPSC exam pattern, Mains revision, Marathi paper and Maharashtra GK answered
MPSC revised the Mains examination significantly for the 2025-26 cycle, increasing from 6 papers to 9 papers and from 800 merit marks to 1,750 merit marks. The key structural changes are: (1) Two separate qualifying language papers added - Paper 1 (Marathi, 300 marks, qualifying) and Paper 2 (English, 300 marks, qualifying) - their marks are not counted in merit but candidates must score 25% minimum in each; (2) An Essay paper added (Paper 3, 250 marks) - this was not a separate paper before; (3) Four GS papers retained (Papers 4-7, 250 marks each); (4) Two optional subject papers retained (Papers 8-9, 250 marks each). The revised structure brings MPSC closer to UPSC CSE in format. The mandatory Marathi qualifying paper emphasises Maharashtra's commitment to state language use in administration. The essay paper tests analytical and communication skills separately from GS factual knowledge.
Yes - Marathi language knowledge is mandatory for MPSC Rajyaseva in two ways. First, the Mains Paper 1 (General Marathi, 300 marks) is a qualifying paper requiring a minimum of 25% (75 marks). Failure to score 75/300 in Marathi disqualifies the candidate regardless of other scores. Second, Maharashtra domicile (which requires established residential connection to Maharashtra) is required for most MPSC Rajyaseva posts. Non-Marathi speakers or those with weak Marathi can still clear the exam with focused preparation. The 25% qualifying threshold is relatively achievable - at 300 marks, 75 marks requires roughly correct comprehension, basic grammar understanding and elementary essay writing in Marathi. However, candidates who are genuinely weak in written Marathi should start dedicated Marathi preparation 6-8 months before Mains. Reading Marathi newspapers daily and practising writing short passages in Marathi are effective ways to build functional exam-level Marathi literacy.
MPSC Rajyaseva and UPSC IAS are structurally similar but differ importantly. MPSC recruits for Maharashtra state cadre (Deputy Collector, Dy. SP, Tehsildar) vs UPSC recruiting for All India Services (IAS, IPS). MPSC has mandatory Marathi qualifying papers (unique to Maharashtra); UPSC has Indian language paper qualifying. MPSC Mains now has 9 papers (1,750 marks + interview 100 = 1,850); UPSC Mains has 9 papers (1,750 marks + essay 250 + language qualifying papers + interview 275 = 2,025). MPSC age limit: 38 years General (vs UPSC 32 years General) - giving 6 additional years. MPSC GS syllabus is 35-45% Maharashtra-specific; UPSC is entirely national. Yes, dual preparation is efficient: the common 50-60% national GS content (History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science) is shared. For MPSC add Maharashtra-specific content; for UPSC add optional subject and essay. Many successful MPSC officers also appeared in UPSC; the preparation strategies are complementary.
MPSC final merit is based on 7 merit papers in Mains plus Interview. Paper 1 (Marathi) and Paper 2 (English) are qualifying only - their 300 marks each do not count in merit. The 7 merit papers are: Paper 3 Essay (250 marks), Paper 4 GS I (250), Paper 5 GS II (250), Paper 6 GS III (250), Paper 7 GS IV (250), Paper 8 Optional Paper I (250), Paper 9 Optional Paper II (250) = 1,750 total Mains merit marks. The Interview/Personality Test carries 100 marks which are added to the Mains merit marks. Total final merit = 1,750 + 100 = 1,850 marks. MPSC Prelims Paper I marks are used only for shortlisting candidates for Mains - they are not counted in the final merit list. Prelims Paper II (CSAT) is qualifying only (33% minimum) and its marks do not affect ranking at any stage. The final rank list for post allocation is based entirely on the 1,850 total marks.
MPSC Rajyaseva is conducted approximately every 1-2 years - it is more regular than many other state PSCs. MPSC has been actively releasing notifications, with 150 vacancies in the 2025 cycle and 79 in the 2026 cycle. There is no formal limit on the number of attempts - candidates can appear as many times as they remain within the age eligibility window (18-38 years for General, 18-43 years for SC/ST/OBC/NT/Women). The age limits are counted as of a date specified in each notification. MPSC is considered one of the more regularly conducted state PSCs. Monitor mpsc.gov.in and the Maharashtra government gazette for official notifications. MPSC typically releases both Prelims and Mains notifications on the same date, with the Prelims scheduled 4-6 months after notification and Mains 6-8 months after Prelims.
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Written and Reviewed by Our MPSC Rajyaseva Expert Faculty
MPSC Rajyaseva Prelims and Mains Specialist | Maharashtra GK and Marathi Paper Expert | 10+ Years MPSC Coaching
This page has been prepared by our senior MPSC faculty with experience coaching hundreds of selected MPSC Rajyaseva officers. All exam pattern details including the 2025-26 major Mains revision (9 papers, 1,750 marks), Marathi qualifying paper guidance, Maharashtra-specific syllabus analysis, optional subject strategy and the new Prelims 5th-option rule are based on official MPSC notifications and analysis of recent exam cycles. MPSC Prelims 2026 was held 31 May 2026. Monitor mpsc.gov.in for upcoming cycle notifications.
✅ MPSC Rajyaseva Specialist ✅ Maharashtra GK and Marathi Expert ✅ 800+ MPSC Officers Selected
MPSC Rajyaseva 2026 - Complete Guide: 9-Paper Mains, 1,750 Marks, Marathi Qualifying Paper, Maharashtra GK and Free Mock Tests
The MPSC Rajyaseva (Maharashtra State Services Examination) is conducted by the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) to recruit candidates for prestigious Group A and B state officer posts including Deputy Collector, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Tehsildar, Block Development Officer and 15+ others. Three stages: Prelims (Paper I GS 200 marks + Paper II CSAT 200 marks, both MCQ, -1/4 negative, Paper II qualifying at 33% minimum) → Mains (9 papers total, descriptive) → Interview (100 marks). 2025-26 vacancies: 229 posts across two cycles. Prelims 2026 held 31 May 2026.
Major 2025-26 Mains revision: Mains increased from 6 to 9 papers and 800 to 1,750 marks. The 9 papers are: Paper 1 Marathi (300 marks, qualifying only, minimum 25%), Paper 2 English (300 marks, qualifying only), Paper 3 Essay (250 marks, merit), Paper 4 GS I History/Culture (250, merit), Paper 5 GS II Polity/Governance (250, merit), Paper 6 GS III Economy/Science (250, merit), Paper 7 GS IV Ethics/Aptitude (250, merit), Paper 8 Optional I (250, merit), Paper 9 Optional II (250, merit). Total merit marks = 1,750 (Papers 3-9) + Interview 100 = 1,850. From March 2026, Prelims has a mandatory 5th option with -1/4 penalty for completely blank answers. Maharashtra-specific content (Maratha Empire, Bhakti Movement saints, Western Ghats, Mumbai financial capital, Maharashtra schemes) is tested in every GS paper and constitutes 35-45% of Prelims questions.
Our free MPSC Rajyaseva mock tests cover all key sections - General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science with Maharashtra focus), General Knowledge and Awareness (Maharashtra GK and national current affairs), General Intelligence and Reasoning (CSAT Paper II), Numerical and Mathematical Ability and English Language - available topic-wise at zero cost at StudiesToday.com.