MPSC Group C is the Maharashtra Subordinate Services Non-Gazetted Group C Combined Examination held by the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC), based in Mumbai. One combined exam fills several Group C posts across Maharashtra government departments, such as Clerk-Typist, Tax Assistant, Industry Inspector, Excise Sub-Inspector and Technical Assistant.
The exam has a common preliminary test for all posts, and then a main exam where one paper is common and the second paper depends on the post. Clerical posts add a typing test. Because Marathi is tested at every step, the exam is meant for candidates comfortable in Marathi as well as English.
- Stages: a combined objective prelims, a post-wise mains, and a typing or skill test where the post needs it.
- The mains has had a common Marathi and English paper and a General Studies paper with post-specific content.
- There is no interview for Group C posts; selection rests on the written exam.
- The scheme, marks, age band and post list are fixed in each MPSC advertisement - confirm them there.
The posts under the combined exam
The Group C combined exam brings several non-gazetted posts together. Posts in recent cycles have included:
| Post | Department (typical) | Extra step |
|---|---|---|
| Clerk-Typist (Marathi and English) | Mantralaya and offices across the state | Typing test |
| Tax Assistant | State Tax (GST) department | Typing test |
| Industry Inspector | Industries department | - |
| Excise Sub-Inspector | State Excise department | Physical standards |
| Technical Assistant | Insurance directorate and others | - |
A candidate can apply for several posts in one application and gives a post preference later. The final allotment depends on merit, preference and vacancies.
The exact post list, departments and vacancies are given in each advertisement. Read it fully before applying.
The preliminary exam
The prelims is a single objective paper common to all Group C posts. Its syllabus has covered:
- Current events - national and international
- History of India with special reference to Maharashtra
- Geography of the world, India and Maharashtra
- Indian polity - the Constitution and the panchayati raj system
- Economy - national income, poverty, government finance and banking
- General science - physics, chemistry, biology and health
- Intelligence test and arithmetic
The paper is set in Marathi and English. Its marks are used only to short-list candidates for the mains. Negative marking has applied in MPSC objective exams, usually a quarter mark per wrong answer.
The number of questions, marks, duration and penalty are stated in the current advertisement. Check them before you plan mocks.
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Cover the full General Studies syllabus in a fixed, structured schedule.
The main exam
The mains has been made up of two objective papers:
- Paper I - Marathi and English: grammar, vocabulary, idioms, sentence structure and comprehension in both languages. This paper is common to all posts.
- Paper II - General Studies and post-specific knowledge: general knowledge, reasoning and arithmetic, plus a section linked to the post - for example, accounts and taxation for Tax Assistant, industrial policy for Industry Inspector, or the excise law for Excise Sub-Inspector.
Because Paper II differs by post, candidates who apply for more than one post may write more than one Paper II, as the advertisement explains.
There is no interview. The merit list is drawn from the mains marks. The marks per paper, duration and the post-wise Paper II syllabus are set in each advertisement.
Typing and skill tests
For Clerk-Typist and Tax Assistant posts, a typing test follows the mains.
- Candidates must reach a prescribed typing speed in Marathi or English, or both, as the post requires.
- The test is qualifying; its marks are not added to the merit.
- Some cycles have asked for a government typing certificate at a minimum speed as part of the eligibility.
For Excise Sub-Inspector, physical standards of height and chest, and a physical test, have been part of the process.
The typing speed, certificate rule and physical standards are set in each advertisement. Start typing practice early if you are aiming for a clerical post.
Who can apply
The academic requirement has been a bachelor's degree from a recognised university. Some posts have asked for a specific degree - such as commerce for Tax Assistant or engineering and science for Industry Inspector.
Candidates must have knowledge of Marathi, which is tested in both stages.
The age limit is counted on a date stated in the advertisement, with relaxations for reserved categories, persons with disabilities, ex-servicemen and other groups under Maharashtra rules.
Reservation benefits apply to candidates domiciled in Maharashtra who belong to the reserved categories of the state.
The qualification per post, typing certificate rule, age band and vacancies are set in each advertisement. Check them before applying.
Maharashtra GK - what to cover
Maharashtra questions form a steady share of both papers. Treat the state as a subject in itself.
- Formation - Maharashtra came into being on 1 May 1960 after the Samyukta Maharashtra movement. Mumbai is the capital and Nagpur the winter capital.
- History - the Satavahanas, the Yadavas of Devagiri, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Maratha empire, and the Peshwas.
- Reformers - Jyotiba and Savitribai Phule, Shahu Maharaj, Dr B. R. Ambedkar, Gopal Ganesh Agarkar and Dhondo Keshav Karve.
- Geography - the Sahyadri, the Konkan coast, the Godavari, Krishna and Bhima rivers, the Marathwada and Vidarbha regions and the Koyna dam.
- Heritage - Ajanta and Ellora, Elephanta and the Victorian Gothic and Art Deco ensemble of Mumbai.
- Panchayati raj - Maharashtra's three-tier system and the role of the Zilla Parishad, a favourite of this exam.
Scheme names and administrative details change from time to time. Verify them from official state sources close to the exam.
How to prepare for MPSC Group C
Prepare for the prelims and the mains together, since the syllabus overlaps.
State Board books first. The Maharashtra State Board books for history, geography and science are the standard base.
Marathi and English grammar. Paper I is common to all posts. Work through grammar topic by topic in both languages.
Post-specific Paper II. Pick your target post early and study its specific section - accounts, industrial policy or excise law.
Arithmetic and reasoning. Solve a timed set every day.
Typing. If you want a clerical post, practise Marathi and English typing daily.
In the final months, solve previous MPSC Group C papers and full mocks under exam timing. For the state civil services, see the MPSC Rajyaseva guide; for similar exams, see the SSC CHSL and RSMSSB LDC guides.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Ignoring Paper I. Marathi and English are common to every post and decide many ranks.
- Preparing only general studies. The post-specific section of Paper II carries real weight.
- Leaving typing for later. Speed builds slowly.
- Guessing freely. Negative marking turns guesses into lost marks.
- Using an old scheme. MPSC revises its pattern; work only from the current advertisement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MPSC Group C?
It is the Maharashtra Subordinate Services Non-Gazetted Group C Combined Examination of the Maharashtra Public Service Commission, filling posts such as Clerk-Typist, Tax Assistant, Industry Inspector, Excise Sub-Inspector and Technical Assistant.
What is the pattern of MPSC Group C?
A combined objective prelims, then a mains with a common Marathi and English paper and a General Studies paper with post-specific content. Clerical posts add a qualifying typing test. There is no interview.
Is there a typing test in MPSC Group C?
Yes, for Clerk-Typist and Tax Assistant posts. Candidates must reach a prescribed typing speed in Marathi or English, as the post requires. It is qualifying.
Is Marathi compulsory for MPSC Group C?
Yes. Knowledge of Marathi is required, and it is tested in the prelims and in the common Paper I of the mains.
What is the qualification for MPSC Group C?
A bachelor's degree from a recognised university, with a specific degree for some posts. The age band, domicile rule and relaxations are given in each advertisement.
Is there an interview in MPSC Group C?
No. Selection to Group C posts is based on the written exam, with qualifying typing or physical tests where the post requires.