Indore: Amid strict frisking, layered security checks, and long queues outside exam centres, the Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC) conducted the State Service and State Forest Service Preliminary Examination 2026 on Sunday across the state, recording a 72 percent overall attendance.
From early morning, candidates were seen lining up well before reporting time as entry procedures took several minutes per person. With a three-stage verification system in place, queues stretched outside many centres as aspirants waited for their turn under close supervision. Some arrived over two hours in advance to avoid last-minute delays, while gates were shut 30 minutes before the exam, leaving no room for late entry.
Out of nearly 1.35 lakh registered candidates, over one lakh appeared for the examination held at 365 centres across 54 districts. Indore reported a turnout of about 45 percent attendance despite over 18,000 registrations at its 46 centres.
The exam was conducted in two sessions, from 10 am to 12 noon and 2:15 pm to 4:15 pm, in OMR format. This year marked the introduction of negative marking, with one-third marks deducted for each incorrect answer. Candidates said that this limited guesswork and made them attempt only questions they were confident about. "The first paper felt slightly tough, so I avoided guessing because of negative marking," said Drishti Chouhan, an aspirant in Indore. Another candidate, Saloni Malviya, said, "The paper was moderate and within syllabus, but negative marking meant we attempted only what we were sure about."
Security arrangements remained the highlight of the examination. Candidates underwent QR code scanning of admit cards, followed by biometric verification including eye scan, fingerprint and facial recognition, and finally frisking through handheld metal detectors. Many were asked to remove jewellery, belts and even shoes before entry, with only essential items permitted inside.
Police personnel were deployed across centres to manage crowds and ensure compliance with guidelines. In several cases, candidates were briefly held up during checks, adding to the pressure before the exam.
MPPSC OSD R Panchbhai said that the examination was conducted smoothly, with central monitoring through live webcast from the Indore headquarters. He added that the three-layer security system proved effective, with no cases of unfair means reported.
Candidates described the paper as balanced and within syllabus, though many avoided risky attempts due to negative marking.
