The Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) is set to release the much-anticipated answer key for the Group B Combined Preliminary Examination held on 4 January 2026. As of 5 January 2026, the official provisional answer key has not yet been published, but candidates who participated in the exam can expect it within the next 5 to 7 days. This provisional answer key is a vital resource that allows examinees to cross-check their responses, calculate estimated scores, and identify any questions they believe to be answered incorrectly. Once the objections window concludes and any necessary revisions are made, the final answer key will be published on the official MPSC website, providing definitive solutions for all questions.
MPSC Group B Answer Key 2026 – Overview and Details
Examination Overview
The MPSC Group B Combined Preliminary Examination was conducted to select suitable candidates for various non-gazetted posts, primarily the State Tax Inspector (STI) and Assistant Room Officer (ARO). This recruitment drive aims to fill approximately 282+ vacancies across different positions, providing numerous employment opportunities for qualified applicants. The test was held in a clear and fair environment, with the official answer key being an essential step before the declaration of results.
Important Dates at a Glance
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Starting Date | 1 August 2025 |
| Application Last Date | 21 August 2025 |
| Examination Date | 4 January 2026 |
| Admit Card Release Date | 26 December 2025 |
| Answer Key Release Date | Expected in January 2026 (Provisional) |
| Result Declaration | To be announced |
Note: These dates are based on the 2025-2026 recruitment cycle. Candidates are advised to keep checking the official MPSC portal for the latest official updates and notifications.
Application Fees and Eligibility Criteria
| Category | Fees |
|---|---|
| General/OBC | Rs 719 |
| SC/ST/PWD | Rs 449 |
Mode of Payment: Online transactions via Debit Card, Credit Card, or Net Banking.
Age Limit and Educational Qualifications
The minimum age requirement for applicants is 19 years, while the upper age limit is capped at 38 years for general candidates. Age relaxations are applicable as per government rules for reserved categories.
Qualification Requirements
| Post | Total Posts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| State Tax Inspector (STI) | 03 | Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognized university |
| Assistant Room Officer (ARO) | 279 | Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognized university |
Selection Process for MPSC Group B Recruitment
The recruitment process involves multiple stages designed to assess candidates comprehensively:
Stages Overview
- Preliminary Examination: Objective type questions covering relevant subjects. This is a screening test.
- Main Examination: Descriptor-based or descriptive questions assessing depth of knowledge.
- Physical Test (if applicable): Physical fitness and endurance tests for certain posts.
- Personal Interview: For shortlisted candidates, to evaluate personality and suitability.
- Document Verification: Verification of eligibility certificates and credentials.
- Medical Examination: Final health assessment before appointment.
How to Download the MPSC Group B Answer Key 2026
Once the answer key is released, candidates can follow these simple steps to access and download it:
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Navigate to the official MPSC portal at mpsc.gov.in.
Step 2: Find the Relevant Link
On the homepage, look for sections titled “Recent Updates,” “Answer Keys,” or similar. The answer key link will typically be available under these sections.
Step 3: Select the Appropriate Link
Click on the link labeled “Maharashtra Group B Services Combined Prelims 2026 – Provisional/Final Answer Key” or a similar title. Make sure to choose the correct question paper set or code if applicable.
Step 4: Download and Save
The answer key PDF will open in a new tab or window. Download the document and save it on your device for future reference.
Step 5: Cross-Check and Calculate
Use the answer key to compare your responses, tally your scores, and determine your chances of qualifying for the next selection round.
Important Considerations and Next Steps
After downloading the provisional answer key, candidates are encouraged to thoroughly review their responses. If discrepancies or errors are noticed in the answer key, most authorities provide a window during which objections can be raised. Typically, for objections, candidates may need to pay a nominal fee and submit their objections through the official portal within the stipulated timeframe.
Once the objection window closes and all responses are reviewed, the final answer key will be published, eliminating any further alterations. This final solution document will serve as the basis for calculating final scores and determining cut-off marks.
Stay updated and regularly visit the official MPSC website for notifications regarding the release of results, interview schedules, and other relevant updates.
Contact and Support
For any queries related to the answer key or examination process, candidates can contact the MPSC helpdesk or support team through the contact details provided on the official portal. Ensuring all communications are through official channels helps maintain transparency and authenticity.