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Madhya Pradesh plans to introduce single UPSC-style exam for all government job recruitments

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, October 29th 2025 at 5:20 GMT by moneycontrol.com
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Madhya Pradesh to Launch a Unified UPSC‑Style Exam for All State‑Level Jobs

The Government of Madhya Pradesh (MP) is poised to overhaul the way it screens candidates for thousands of government posts across the state. In a recent announcement, state officials revealed plans to replace a sprawling, fragmented recruitment system with a single, centralized examination modeled after the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) entrance test. The initiative, which aims to streamline processes, cut costs, and raise hiring standards, is expected to take effect in the 2025‑26 recruitment cycle.

Why the Shift?

Fragmented Recruitment Landscape

Until now, MP’s recruitment machinery has been a mosaic of separate tests and selection panels. Each department—ranging from education and health to public works, police, and banking—has conducted its own written exams, interviews, and sometimes even physical tests. This patchwork approach has led to:

• High administrative overheads – Each body needs a dedicated team of examiners, invigilators, and support staff.
• Duplicated effort – Candidates wishing to apply for multiple posts often have to sit for several unrelated exams, draining time and resources.
• Inconsistent standards – With different question banks and evaluation criteria, the quality and comparability of selected candidates vary widely.

A recent study cited in the MoneyControl article highlighted that the state’s recruitment expenses were hovering around ₹15 crore annually, with the bulk of the sum earmarked for logistics, printing, and examiner compensation.

The UPSC Blueprint

The UPSC, responsible for recruiting officers for India’s central services, follows a rigorous and standardized process:

1. Preliminary Examination – A multiple‑choice test covering general studies, reasoning, and analytical abilities.
2. Main Examination – Detailed written papers, including a compulsory Indian language and English.
3. Interview (Personality Test) – Evaluates leadership qualities, communication skills, and overall aptitude.

By adopting this structure, MP hopes to emulate UPSC’s reputation for fairness, transparency, and depth. The state’s Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions announced that the new exam will be conducted by a newly formed State Selection Board, headed by a senior bureaucrat and supported by experts from education and recruitment.

Implementation Plan

Phased Roll‑Out

The MP government has laid out a phased approach to avoid disruption:

1. Pilot Phase (2024‑25) – The exam will initially cover a subset of departments—particularly those with high turnover and a need for fresh talent, such as the Police Service, State Civil Service, and Educational Administration.
2. Full Roll‑Out (2025‑26) – Post‑pilot evaluation, the exam will be extended to all remaining departments, including health, public works, and the state banking sector.

During the pilot, state officials will gather feedback on test design, logistics, and candidate experience to fine‑tune the blueprint before the full rollout.

Cost Savings and Efficiency

Projected savings are significant. Preliminary cost‑analysis suggests a reduction from ₹15 crore to approximately ₹4 crore per year—a 73% cut. Savings will accrue from:

• Reduced Printing and Distribution – A single paper eliminates multiple question banks.
• Unified Invigilation – Centralised examiners can be shared across departments.
• Simplified Administration – A single digital portal for application, result announcement, and candidate tracking.

The state claims that these savings will be redirected to improving infrastructure, training, and welfare for recruited officers.

Stakeholder Reactions

Government Officials

Minister for Personnel, Shankargad R. Sharma, said in a statement that “a single, standardized exam aligns with the state’s vision for meritocracy and efficiency.” He added that the initiative would also reduce the backlog of pending recruitment, as current systems often leave vacancies for years.

Candidates and Associations

The MP Public Servants’ Association expressed cautious optimism. “While a unified exam could streamline the process, we hope the state will ensure adequate support for candidates who need to prepare for a broader syllabus,” the association’s spokesperson remarked.

Meanwhile, many aspirants are looking forward to a clearer roadmap. A comment from a 23‑year‑old candidate on a local forum read: “It will be easier to plan my studies if there’s one exam for all services, rather than guessing what each department requires.”

Wider Context: Other States and Central Trends

The initiative aligns with a broader trend of states adopting centralized recruitment frameworks. Similar moves have been announced in Karnataka and Telangana, where a “Common State Entrance Examination” has been piloted for a range of government roles. At the national level, the Union Public Service Commission has expressed interest in collaborating with state boards to harmonize standards.

The MoneyControl article also cited a recent central government directive encouraging states to adopt unified recruitment practices. This directive, issued in March 2024, calls for states to “establish a comprehensive, single recruitment mechanism” that mirrors UPSC’s rigor and promotes transparency.

Potential Challenges

Syllabus Design

Creating a syllabus that adequately tests competencies for diverse roles—ranging from policing to administrative management—poses a challenge. The State Selection Board will need to balance general aptitude questions with role‑specific modules, possibly in the form of optional papers.

Candidate Preparedness

A single exam will necessitate broader study materials. The government plans to launch a digital learning platform featuring mock tests, past UPSC papers, and specialized modules for state‑specific roles.

Transition Management

Departments accustomed to their own exams will have to relinquish control, potentially leading to resistance. The government has promised training workshops for existing examiners and transparent communication about the new selection criteria.

Conclusion

Madhya Pradesh’s move to a single UPSC‑style exam marks a bold step toward modernizing public service recruitment. By consolidating a fragmented system, the state aims to save money, improve fairness, and attract high‑quality candidates. While the plan faces logistical and design hurdles, the initial pilot phase will test its feasibility and set the stage for a transformative overhaul. If successful, the model could serve as a blueprint for other states seeking to align their recruitment standards with national benchmarks and deliver better governance outcomes.