Manipur PSC Mains Exam Postponed After Question Paper Mix-Up; Rescheduled for November 22
A Major Administrative Lapse Disrupts MPSC Mains Examination
In a surprising turn of events, the Manipur Public Service Commission (MPSC) has postponed two papers of the Manipur Civil Services Combined Competitive (Mains) Examination 2022 following a serious administrative error during the conduct of the exams. The incident, which occurred at the Imphal examination centre on Sunday, led to confusion among aspirants when candidates in the morning session were “mistakenly” given the wrong question paper.
According to officials, candidates appearing for General Studies (GS) Paper-III were inadvertently handed the question paper for GS-IV. The mix-up was identified soon after the exam began, causing widespread disruption and distress among the candidates. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Commission promptly decided to cancel both the GS-III and GS-IV papers and reschedule them for a later date.
How the Mix-Up Unfolded
The Manipur Civil Services Combined Competitive (Mains) Examination 2022 commenced on November 7 and was originally slated to conclude on November 10. The exams are being conducted at two designated centres — Imphal and Guwahati — for hundreds of candidates aspiring to join the state’s civil services.
The trouble began on Sunday morning when candidates at the Imphal centre, who were supposed to take the GS-III paper, noticed discrepancies in the question paper they received. Upon verification, it was confirmed that the paper distributed belonged to GS-IV instead of GS-III.
The error was reportedly detected shortly after the examination started, but by then, the confusion had already spread among candidates. Examination authorities immediately halted proceedings to investigate the error, eventually leading to the decision to postpone the affected papers altogether.
Commission’s Response and Official Statement
Following the incident, MPSC officials released a statement acknowledging the mix-up and confirming that both the GS-III and GS-IV papers had been postponed. The Commission clarified that the new date for the rescheduled exams would be November 22, 2025.
“The Manipur Civil Services Combined Competitive (Mains) Examination 2022, which began on November 7 and was scheduled to conclude today, had to be postponed after a mix-up in question papers led to the cancellation of both General Studies Paper-III and Paper-IV,” the statement read.
The Commission assured candidates that necessary measures would be taken to prevent such errors in the future and that fairness would be maintained for all aspirants affected by the mishap.
Impact on Aspirants and Examination Schedule
The postponement has caused frustration and uncertainty among candidates who had been preparing for months for the prestigious exam. Many aspirants expressed disappointment over the sudden cancellation, citing the physical and mental strain caused by the delay.
Examination schedules for competitive exams like the MPSC Mains are often rigorous, with candidates investing extensive time in preparation and planning. A sudden postponement not only disrupts their preparation rhythm but also extends the anxiety associated with high-stakes examinations.
Candidates from both Imphal and Guwahati centres will now have to adjust their preparation schedules and await the revised timetable. While the mix-up reportedly occurred only at the Imphal centre, the Commission decided to cancel both papers across centres to ensure uniformity and transparency in the process.
A Closer Look: The Significance of MPSC Exams
The Manipur Public Service Commission is responsible for conducting recruitment examinations for various administrative posts in the state, including the Manipur Civil Services, Manipur Police Service, and other allied services. The MPSC Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) is one of the most prestigious and challenging recruitment tests in the state, attracting thousands of candidates every year.
The Mains Examination is a critical stage in the selection process, following the preliminary examination and preceding the personal interview. It consists of multiple papers covering a wide range of subjects, including General Studies, optional subjects, and language papers. Any disruption or mismanagement at this stage can significantly affect candidates’ performance and timelines for recruitment.
Lessons from the Incident: Need for Stronger Exam Protocols
The question paper mix-up in Manipur raises important concerns about examination management and the protocols followed during the conduct of high-level competitive exams. While human error can occur in any administrative setup, the scale and consequences of such an oversight underscore the need for stricter supervision and procedural checks.
Experts have often emphasized that exam-conducting bodies should adopt robust security and verification mechanisms — including multi-tier checks, digital tracking, and barcode systems — to ensure that the right question papers are distributed at the right time and place. Regular staff training, standard operating procedures, and accountability systems are equally essential to prevent future errors.
Rescheduled Date and Next Steps
As per the Commission’s latest notification, the postponed General Studies Paper-III and Paper-IV of the Manipur Civil Services (Mains) Examination 2022 will now be conducted on November 22, 2025. All other papers completed earlier will remain valid.
Candidates have been advised to stay updated through the official MPSC website for further announcements or changes in the schedule. The Commission has also urged aspirants to maintain composure and assured that all affected candidates will get equal opportunity and consideration.
Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale for Exam Authorities
The Manipur PSC examination mix-up serves as a reminder of the importance of precision and accountability in public examinations. For thousands of aspirants who dedicate years to civil service preparation, even minor administrative lapses can have major repercussions on their morale and performance.
As MPSC takes corrective steps and prepares to reconduct the affected papers, this incident should prompt all examination authorities across the country to revisit and strengthen their operational protocols. Ensuring transparency, preparedness, and error-proof systems is not merely a procedural necessity — it is a responsibility towards the candidates and the credibility of public institutions.
