Mumbai: In a major step towards enhancing the security and transparency of recruitment and competitive examinations, the Maharashtra government has constituted a high-level committee headed by the Chief Secretary to examine the feasibility of shifting government examinations from the offline mode to the online mode.
The decision, announced through a Government Resolution (GR) issued by the Higher and Technical Education Department, comes in the wake of growing concerns over examination security, particularly after the Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (MAHA TET) paper leak that surfaced last month.
The committee has been asked to submit its recommendations within two months.
Decision Follows MAHA TET Paper Leak
The move follows the MAHA TET paper leak, which triggered a major investigation by the Maharashtra Police. The probe led to the arrest of several individuals, including officials and middlemen, raising serious concerns about the integrity of offline examinations conducted by various government agencies.
The issue was also discussed during the 2026 Monsoon Session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, following which the government decided to constitute an expert panel to study the transition to online examinations.
Committee to Examine Complete Transition Framework
According to the Government Resolution, the committee will comprehensively examine the technical, administrative and operational requirements involved in conducting government examinations online.
Its mandate includes evaluating the feasibility of migrating examinations currently held in offline mode to a secure online platform and recommending an appropriate implementation framework.
The committee may also invite officials from various departments, domain experts, and representatives of educational or technical institutions whenever required to assist in its deliberations.
Chief Secretary to Lead Eight-Member Panel
The committee comprises senior officials from key government departments responsible for administration, education, finance, technology, law enforcement and examinations.
The members include:
- Chief Secretary, Government of Maharashtra – Chairperson
- Additional Chief Secretary (Services), General Administration Department
- Additional Chief Secretary, Higher and Technical Education Department
- Additional Chief Secretary (Financial Reforms), Finance Department
- Principal Secretary, School Education and Sports Department
- Secretary, Electronics, Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence Department
- Director General of Police, Maharashtra
- Commissioner, State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell, Mumbai – Member Secretary
CET Cell to Provide Administrative Support
The State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell, Mumbai has been designated as the nodal agency to provide administrative and logistical support to the committee throughout the study and consultation process.
The government expects the committee’s recommendations to lay the foundation for a more secure, transparent and technologically robust examination system across Maharashtra.
If implemented, the move could significantly reduce the risks associated with paper leaks, improve operational efficiency, and modernize the conduct of government recruitment and competitive examinations in the state.
