The Manipur Public Service Commission (MPSC) faced an unexpected setback when a serious error occurred during the Manipur Civil Services Combined Competitive (Mains) Examination 2022. On Sunday, confusion erupted at the Imphal centre as candidates appearing for the morning session were handed the wrong question paper.
Instead of receiving the General Studies Paper-III, aspirants were mistakenly given the General Studies Paper-IV. The error was detected soon after the examination began, causing panic and uncertainty among the candidates. The Commission quickly intervened and announced the postponement of both GS Paper-III and Paper-IV.

• The mix-up occurred during the morning session.
• Candidates received GS-IV instead of GS-III.
• The mistake was noticed early in the examination.
• Immediate cancellation was announced to prevent unfair advantage.

The incident has raised concerns about examination management and question paper handling protocols within the MPSC system.

How Did the Commission Respond to the Error?

Once the mistake was confirmed, the Manipur Public Service Commission acted swiftly. Officials stopped the ongoing session, collected all distributed papers, and made an official announcement about the postponement. The Commission later released a notice stating that the examinations for both GS Paper-III and GS Paper-IV had been cancelled and would be rescheduled.

Officials assured candidates that new dates would be announced shortly to ensure fairness and transparency in the process. The Commission also initiated an internal inquiry to find out how the mix-up occurred at the Imphal examination centre.

Key Actions Taken by MPSC:

• Examination halted immediately after the error was detected.
• Candidates were informed about the cancellation.
• Both GS-III and GS-IV papers were postponed.
• Fresh examination date announced for November 22, 2025.

This quick decision helped maintain the integrity of the examination while minimizing chaos among the examinees.

What Were the Immediate Reactions from Candidates?

Candidates expressed frustration and disappointment after the sudden cancellation. Many had prepared extensively and traveled long distances to reach their examination centres. The confusion inside the exam hall led to emotional distress and uncertainty about rescheduled dates.

Some candidates also took to social media to express concerns about the recurring administrative lapses in government exams. Despite the chaos, a few appreciated MPSC’s immediate corrective action, emphasizing that it was better to cancel than continue with a flawed process.

Common Reactions Reported:

• Shock and confusion when the wrong papers were distributed.
• Anxiety about the impact on their performance and schedule.
• Frustration over logistical and travel inconveniences.
• Relief that fairness would be restored through rescheduling.

When Will the Exam Be Conducted Again?

After assessing the situation, the MPSC rescheduled the cancelled papers for November 22, 2025. This new date provides candidates with extra time to revise and prepare. The Commission has also decided to strengthen the question paper handling process to prevent such incidents in the future.

Here’s a quick summary of the revised examination details:

Paper	Original Date	Status	Rescheduled Date
GS Paper-III	November 10, 2025	Cancelled	November 22, 2025
GS Paper-IV	November 10, 2025	Cancelled	November 22, 2025

Officials have instructed candidates to retain their original admit cards, which will remain valid for the rescheduled exam.

What Lessons Can Be Learned from This Incident?

The Manipur PSC mix-up highlights the importance of meticulous planning and multi-layered verification in exam management. Question paper distribution is a sensitive process that demands high precision. A single lapse can disrupt months of preparation and affect the credibility of the institution.

To prevent future issues, MPSC and similar bodies across India may need to:

• Introduce barcoded or digitally verified question packets.
• Appoint dedicated invigilators for paper verification.
• Conduct last-minute checks before distributing exam papers.
• Provide training sessions for examination centre staff.

Such steps can restore candidates’ trust and prevent administrative embarrassment.

How Does This Affect Future Examinations in Manipur?

The incident may lead to tighter regulations for all upcoming examinations in the state. The MPSC is expected to adopt stricter monitoring measures and perhaps even digital tracking of exam materials. Candidates can expect improved coordination between officials, invigilators, and supervisors.

The Commission’s credibility depends on its ability to conduct transparent and error-free exams. Hence, this event could act as a wake-up call for reform in the examination process not just in Manipur, but across other state commissions as well.

What Are the Candidates Advised to Do Next?

Candidates are advised to stay calm and follow official updates from MPSC’s website. The Commission has clarified that the rest of the Manipur Civil Services Mains examinations will continue as per schedule.

Important Tips for Candidates:

• Keep your admit card safe, it remains valid for November 22.
• Regularly check the official MPSC notification portal for updates.
• Use the extended time for additional revision of GS papers.
• Avoid relying on unofficial news or social media rumours.

The Commission aims to ensure a fair environment for all aspirants when the papers are re-conducted.

What Does This Incident Reveal About Examination Challenges in India?

This situation reflects a broader issue faced by public service commissions nationwide: maintaining flawless coordination in large-scale exams. With thousands of candidates and multiple centres involved, human errors can occur. However, such incidents emphasize the need for enhanced technology, accountability, and preparedness in recruitment processes. By addressing procedural gaps, ensuring staff training, and improving transparency, commissions can regain public confidence and ensure that merit-based selection remains at the core of civil services recruitment.

FAQs About the Manipur PSC Exam Postponement

What caused the Manipur PSC exam postponement?

The exam was postponed because candidates at the Imphal centre were mistakenly given the GS-IV paper instead of GS-III.

When will the rescheduled Manipur PSC exam be held?

The postponed GS-III and GS-IV papers will now be conducted on November 22, 2025.

Which papers were affected by the mix-up?

Both General Studies Paper-III and General Studies Paper-IV were cancelled due to the question paper mix-up.

Where did the mix-up occur?

The incident took place at the Imphal examination centre during the morning session.

How did MPSC respond to the error?

MPSC immediately stopped the exam, recalled the papers, and announced new dates to maintain fairness.

Do candidates need new admit cards for the rescheduled exam?

No, the original admit cards will remain valid for the rescheduled exams on November 22.

How did candidates react to the postponement?

Many candidates expressed frustration over the error but appreciated MPSC’s quick decision to postpone.

What steps is MPSC taking to prevent future errors?

The Commission plans to strengthen paper verification, staff training, and handling protocols to avoid similar incidents.

Will other papers of the exam be affected?

No, MPSC confirmed that only GS-III and GS-IV were postponed, and the rest of the schedule remains unchanged.

What should candidates do until the new exam date?

Candidates are advised to continue their preparation and check the MPSC website regularly for updates.