MPSC Group-B Combined Preliminary Examination 2026 – Complete Guide

Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) has officially released the notification for the MPSC Group-B Combined Preliminary Examination 2026 on 1 April 2026. This recruitment drive invites online applications for three prestigious Non-Gazetted Group-B posts: Assistant Section Officer (सहायक कक्ष अधिकारी), State Tax Inspector (राज्य कर निरीक्षक), and Police Sub-Inspector (पोलीस उप निरीक्षक – PSI). The total number of vacancies is expected to be over 552 posts, with provisions for additional vacancies from requisitions received before the prelim result declaration.

This is a golden opportunity for candidates aspiring for Maharashtra state government jobs. The selection process includes a Combined Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and for PSI posts, a Physical Test. Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university and possess knowledge of Marathi language. The online application portal will be active from 10 April 2026 to 30 April 2026 on mpsconline.gov.in.

In this comprehensive guide, we cover post-wise vacancy breakdown with social/parallel reservation details, category-wise age limits with relaxation, physical standards for PSI, salary structure (S-14 and S-16), step-by-step application process with fee payment options (online/offline), document upload specifications, and important instructions for PwD and sportsperson candidates.

MPSC Group-B Recruitment 2026 – Overview

MPSC is the premier recruiting body for Maharashtra state civil services. The Group-B Combined Preliminary Examination is a gateway to multiple administrative, revenue, and police services. Candidates who qualify the prelims will be eligible for the Main Examination, followed by physical tests (for PSI) and interviews. The commission may add more vacancies from requisitions received before the prelim result, making this an even bigger opportunity.

Important Dates – MPSC Group-B 2026

MPSC Group-B Vacancy 2026 – Category-wise Breakdown

Assistant Section Officer (ASO) – एकूण ०६ पदे

State Tax Inspector (STI) – एकूण २३६ पदे

Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) – एकूण ३१० पदे

Expert insight: The State Tax Inspector has the highest number of vacancies (236), making it the most accessible post. PSI has 310 vacancies but includes physical standards. Women have dedicated horizontal reservation across all categories. Orphan candidates have 3 reserved posts (2 institutional, 1 non-institutional) under PSI. The commission may add more posts from additional requisitions received before prelim result declaration – candidates are advised to apply even if their preferred post seems to have fewer vacancies currently.

Age Limit for MPSC Group-B Posts 2026

Eligibility Criteria – MPSC Group-B 2026

Final year candidates: Candidates appearing for their bachelor’s degree exam can apply provisionally for the prelims. However, they must pass the degree examination before the Main Exam application deadline. Otherwise, they will not be allowed to appear for the Main Exam.

PSI Physical Standards – Complete Details

Physical measurements will be verified by a competent authority before appointment. Candidates who do not meet the prescribed physical standards will be disqualified at the final stage, even if they qualify the written exams. No relaxation in physical standards is mentioned for reserved categories for PSI posts.

Salary Structure – MPSC Group-B Posts 2026

In addition to the basic pay, selected candidates receive Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Travel Allowance (TA), and other allowances as per Maharashtra government rules. The approximate in-hand salary for ASO ranges from ₹65,000 to ₹75,000, while for STI and PSI it ranges from ₹55,000 to ₹65,000 depending on posting location. ASO is a higher pay scale post compared to STI and PSI.

Selection Process – MPSC Group-B 2026

Stage 1 – Combined Preliminary Examination (400 marks for ASO / 100 marks for STI & PSI)

Objective-type multiple-choice questions. The prelim exam is common for all three posts but marking schemes differ. ASO prelim carries 400 marks, while STI and PSI prelim carries 100 marks. Candidates who qualify the prelims (based on cut-off determined by MPSC) will be eligible for the Main Examination.

Stage 2 – Main Examination

Descriptive-type written examination. For ASO, the Main Exam is the Maharashtra Group-B (Non-Gazetted) Services Main Exam. For STI and PSI, separate Main Exams are conducted as per their respective service entry rules. Candidates must clear the Main Exam to move to the next stage.

Stage 3 – Physical Test (only for PSI)

PSI candidates must pass a physical efficiency test (PET) and physical measurement verification. The physical test carries 100 marks and includes running, long jump, high jump, and other events as per MPSC norms.

Stage 4 – Document Verification & Interview

Candidates who clear the Main Exam (and physical test for PSI) will be called for document verification and interview. Final merit list is prepared based on Main Exam marks and interview performance.

Preparation tip: Start with the MPSC prelim syllabus (History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science, Current Affairs, Marathi language). For PSI candidates, physical fitness should be developed simultaneously – do not wait for written results to start physical training.

MPSC Group-B Application Fee 2026

How to Apply for MPSC Group-B Combined Exam 2026

Documents to Upload (For Reservation Claimants Only)

Important Instructions – MPSC Group-B 2026

Expert Tips to Crack MPSC Group-B 2026

1. Complete KYC Profile Before Application Start Date

MPSC has mandated KYC (Know Your Customer) completion for all candidates. This includes document verification and profile validation. Do this immediately – it takes 2-3 working days. Without KYC, you cannot apply even if the form is open.

2. Read the Full Notification – Especially Section 4 (Vacancy & Reservation)

The notification contains complex social and parallel reservation tables (women, sports, PwD, orphan). Many candidates miss their eligibility for specific sub-categories. For example, unreserved women can claim women reservation only with Maharashtra domicile and non-creamy layer certificate (for OBC women).

3. Prepare for Both Prelim and Main Simultaneously

The gap between prelim and main exam is short (2-3 months). Start answer writing practice for descriptive main exam from day one. For PSI candidates, physical training must be parallel – running, long jump, and high jump require consistent practice.

4. Choose Exam District Carefully

Once you select a district (जिल्हा केंद्र) during application, NO change request will be accepted. Choose a district convenient for travel. Major centers include Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Aurangabad, Nashik, and Thane.

5. Keep UDID Card Ready for PwD Claims

As per MPSC’s 27 June 2024 circular, only UDID cards from Swavlamban portal are accepted for PwD reservation. Old SADM certificates alone are NOT sufficient – you must have the enrollment number at minimum. Validate your disability status before applying.

6. For Sports Quota – Submit Verification Report on Time

Sports candidates must obtain the “प्राविण्य प्रमाणपत्र पडताळणी अहवाल” (Verification Report) from the District Sports Officer. If not received by the last date, upload the acknowledgment receipt of submission. Without either, sports quota claim will be rejected.

Frequently Asked Questions – MPSC Group-B 2026

Q1: How many total vacancies are there for MPSC Group-B 2026?

Currently: ASO – 06, STI – 236, PSI – 310 (Total 552+). Additional vacancies from supplementary requisitions may be added before prelim results.

Q2: What is the age limit for Police Sub-Inspector (PSI)?

Minimum 19 years, maximum 31 years for general category. Relaxation up to 36 years for SC/ST/OBC/Women. PwD relaxation up to 45 years.

Q3: Is Marathi language knowledge mandatory for all posts?

Yes. Candidates must have knowledge of Marathi (reading, writing, speaking). This will be tested during document verification or through a separate language exam after appointment.

Q4: Can final year degree students apply?

Yes, for the prelim exam. However, they must pass their degree examination before the Main Exam application deadline. Otherwise, they cannot appear for Main Exam.

Q5: What is the application fee for OBC candidates?

₹294 for OBC candidates (Backward Class category). General category fee is ₹394.

Q6: Is there any physical test for State Tax Inspector or Assistant Section Officer?

No. Physical standards and physical tests are only for Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) posts.

Q7: What is the salary for Assistant Section Officer?

Pay Level S-16: ₹44,100 – ₹1,42,400. Approximate in-hand salary ₹65,000-75,000 including allowances.

Q8: Is CTET or any teaching qualification required for MPSC Group-B?

No. These are administrative, revenue, and police posts. Bachelor’s degree in any discipline is sufficient.

Q9: What is the selection process for State Tax Inspector?

Prelim Exam → Main Exam → Document Verification → Interview. No physical test.

Q10: Can candidates from other states apply for MPSC Group-B?

Yes, but they will be considered under the Unreserved (Open) category only. Reservation benefits (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/Women/Sports/PwD/Orphan) are applicable only for Maharashtra domicile candidates.

Q11: What is the date of birth proof accepted?

Class 10 (SSC) mark sheet or certificate. No other document is accepted for age proof.

Q12: Where can I download the admit card for prelim exam?

Admit cards will be available on mpsconline.gov.in. No physical admit cards will be sent by post.