- By Sarju Saran Tiwari
- Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:23 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
MPPSC New Rules 2026: The Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC) has announced a sweeping set of new rules ahead of its State Service and Forest Service Preliminary Examination scheduled for April 26, 2026. The changes mark a significant departure from previous practices and are aimed at strengthening transparency, curbing impersonation, and ensuring only genuinely prepared candidates advance to the next stage.
For the first time in MPPSC history, candidates will be required to arrive at their exam centres 90 minutes before the exam begins- double the previous requirement of 45 minutes. The extended reporting time is necessary to accommodate a rigorous three-stage verification process that could take five to seven minutes per candidate. Entry gates will be shut 30 minutes before the exam starts.
Approximately 1.35 lakh candidates have registered for 191 posts- 155 under State Service and 36 under Forest Service - spread across more than 500 centres in 54 districts.
Three-Layer Security System: How It Works?
MPPSC has designed a structured, technology-driven security protocol to eliminate impersonation and cheating at examination centres. Each candidate will pass through three distinct verification stages before being allowed into the exam hall.
The first layer involves entry-level verification, where admit cards are checked and matched against candidate photographs. The second layer consists of frisking using hand-held metal detectors and manual checking to ensure no electronic gadgets are carried inside. The third and most advanced layer involves full biometric authentication - fingerprint scanning, QR code verification, facial recognition, iris scanning, and digital signature matching. Additionally, CCTV cameras with live feeds connected to a central control room at MPPSC headquarters will monitor all centres in real time.
Negative Marking: What Candidates Must Know?
Detail | Rule |
Marks per correct answer | 3 marks |
Deduction per wrong answer | 1/3 mark (i.e., 1 mark) |
Wrong answers to cancel 1 correct | 3 incorrect answers |
Exam applicable | Prelims 2026 (first time) |
Purpose | Reduce random guessing |
This is the first time negative marking has been introduced in the MPPSC preliminary exam. Exam experts note that this system, already used in many national-level competitive exams, discourages blind guessing and rewards candidates who are well-prepared and confident in their answers.
MPPSC Prelims 2026: Exam Schedule & Key Dates
The April 26 exam will be conducted in two sessions. The first paper on General Studies will run from 10 AM to 12 PM, while the second paper on General Aptitude will be held from 2:15 PM to 4:15 PM. Admit cards will be available from April 16, 2026. The same security arrangements will be uniformly enforced at all centres across the state.
MPPSC Chairman Rajesh Lal Mehra confirmed that this technology-driven model will be expanded to other commission exams in future years.