MPPSC State Service Exam 2026 Notification Released: Dates, Eligibility, Negative Marking and Application Details
The Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC) has officially released the State Service Examination 2026 notification, bringing important updates for aspirants preparing for state civil services.
The announcement confirms application dates, exam schedule, vacancy details, and a major change in the evaluation system with the introduction of negative marking.
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As expected, the notification outlines recruitment for 155 posts, slightly fewer than earlier estimates of around 160 vacancies. Along with this, MPPSC has introduced stricter assessment rules aimed at improving the overall quality of the examination.
Application Dates and Registration Process
Candidates can apply for the MPPSC State Service Exam 2026 from January 10, 2026, to February 9, 2026 (up to 12 midnight). Applications will be accepted only in online mode.
Applicants can submit forms through the official portals:
Applications sent via post or manual mode will not be accepted under any circumstances.
Late Fee and Correction Window
MPPSC has provided an extended window for late applications, but with substantial penalties:
- February 10 to February 16, 2026: Late fee of ₹3,000
- February 17 to April 1, 2026: Late fee of ₹25,000
Candidates applying with a late fee will be allowed to make corrections in their application by paying an additional ₹50 correction fee. Corrections will be permitted only until April 1, 2026.
Preliminary Exam Date and Timings
The MPPSC State Service Preliminary Examination 2026 will be conducted on April 26, 2026.
Exam schedule:
- Paper 1 (General Studies): 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Paper 2 (General Aptitude Test): 2:15 PM to 4:15 PM
Both papers are mandatory for candidates appearing in the preliminary stage.
Introduction of Negative Marking
One of the most significant changes in MPPSC 2026 is the introduction of negative marking. For the first time, incorrect answers will lead to a deduction of marks in the State Service Examination.
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Earlier, this rule was applied only in the Assistant Professor Recruitment Exam 2025 and was mentioned briefly in a single line. Now, MPPSC has decided to extend negative marking to State Service, Forest Service, and other competitive examinations conducted by the commission.
Why Negative Marking Was Introduced
According to the commission, negative marking aims to:
- Improve the quality of the examination
- Reduce guesswork
- Reward serious and well-prepared candidates
In recent years, preliminary cut-offs have crossed 80 percent or more, making selection extremely competitive. With negative marking in place, cut-offs are expected to stabilize at a more balanced level. This change will benefit candidates who rely on conceptual clarity rather than random guessing.
Vacancies and Recruitment Outlook
The MPPSC State Service Exam 2026 will fill 155 administrative posts across various departments of the Madhya Pradesh government. These include key administrative roles that form the backbone of state governance.
The recruitment process will follow the standard three-stage structure:
- Preliminary Examination
- Main Examination
- Interview
Only candidates qualifying the preliminary exam will be eligible to appear for the mains.
What Aspirants Should Focus On
With negative marking now active, aspirants must:
- Avoid blind guessing
- Strengthen fundamentals
- Practice mock tests with accuracy-based strategies
- Focus on revision and conceptual understanding
- This shift makes disciplined preparation more important than ever.
Conclusion
The release of the MPPSC State Service Exam 2026 notification marks the beginning of a crucial phase for aspirants. With clearly defined dates, strict late fees, and the introduction of negative marking, MPPSC has set higher standards for selection.
Candidates are advised to apply on time, understand the new rules carefully, and adjust their preparation strategy to match the updated exam pattern.
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