Engineering Services Exam: Number of qualified candidates quite low

Indore: Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC) has declared results of State Engineering Services Examination-2025, revealing a surprisingly low number of qualified candidates despite thousands of applications being received for a limited number of posts.

The examination was conducted to fill 32 engineering vacancies across various departments. As per MPPSC norms, candidates equivalent to at least three times the number of vacancies are usually shortlisted for interviews. Accordingly, around 96 candidates were expected to qualify for the interview stage. However, only 39 candidates could secure the minimum qualifying standards required for selection.

The shortage was most evident in Assistant Engineer (Civil) category, where 24 posts were available. While 72 candidates were expected to be shortlisted for interviews, only 14 qualified. In Assistant Engineer (Agriculture) category, which had one vacancy, not a single candidate qualified for interview stage. For seven Assistant Engineer (Electrical) posts, 24 candidates have been selected for interviews.

The results come after a wait of more than two months. The written examination was conducted on March 22, and the results were announced on Monday.

Experts say the outcome highlights a growing mismatch between the demand for engineering jobs and the limited number of vacancies being offered. Candidates had demanded around 250 posts in the latest recruitment cycle, but the commission initially advertised only 29 vacancies, later increasing the number to 32. “While a large number of candidates registered for the examination, the final shortlist depends on candidates meeting the prescribed benchmark. The commission follows a transparent, merit-based selection process at every stage of recruitment,” said MPPSC, PRO R Panchbhai.

Data from recent years shows a declining trend in engineering recruitment through MPPSC. Only 91 engineering posts have been advertised over the past five years, with no recruitment conducted in 2023, raising concerns among aspirants about shrinking employment opportunities in the sector.