The Maharashtra State Council of Examinations (MSCE) has postponed the Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (MAHA TET) 2026 indefinitely following serious allegations of a paper leak. The decision, announced on June 27, 2026, affects thousands of candidates who were scheduled to appear for the exam across the state. The new exam date will be announced within 30 days.
Paper Leak Allegations Surface
According to an official statement from the MSCE, the postponement comes after reports emerged that the question paper for the MAHA TET had been leaked on social media platforms. The council received complaints from multiple candidates and stakeholders, prompting an immediate investigation. The exam was originally scheduled to be held on June 28, 2026, in two shifts across 1,200 centers in Maharashtra.
"We have received credible evidence suggesting that the question paper was circulated on WhatsApp and other social media channels. To maintain the integrity of the examination process, we have decided to postpone the test until further notice," said an MSCE spokesperson in a press conference.
Impact on Candidates
Approximately 3.5 lakh candidates had registered for the MAHA TET 2026, which is a mandatory qualification for teaching positions in primary and upper primary schools in the state. The postponement has caused significant inconvenience, with many candidates traveling from remote areas to exam centers. The MSCE has assured that the new schedule will be released within a month, and candidates will be given at least 15 days' notice before the new exam date.
"This is a huge setback for us. Many of us have been preparing for months and have already spent money on travel and accommodation. We hope the council conducts the exam fairly and without further delays," said Priya Sharma, a candidate from Nagpur.
Investigation Underway
The MSCE has formed a three-member committee to investigate the source of the leak. The committee includes senior officials from the education department and cyber crime experts. They will examine digital evidence and question individuals who may have been involved. The council has also filed a complaint with the local police. In the past, similar leaks have led to arrests, and officials have warned of strict action against those found guilty.
This is not the first time the MAHA TET has faced controversies. In 2024, the exam was marred by allegations of irregularities, leading to a re-examination in some districts. The current leak has raised questions about the security measures in place for high-stakes exams.
Next Steps for Candidates
Candidates are advised to regularly check the official MSCE website for updates. The council has stated that the registration process will remain valid, and no additional fees will be charged for the rescheduled exam. Study materials and previous year question papers have been made available online to help candidates prepare. The MSCE also urged candidates to report any suspicious activity related to the paper leak to the helpline number 1800-xxx-xxxx.
The postponement has also affected the academic calendar of schools, as many institutions rely on TET-qualified teachers for recruitment. The state education department has assured that the delay will not impact the current academic session, as appointments are usually made after the results are declared. The new exam date is expected to be announced in the last week of July 2026.
