India, April 15 -- In a sweeping reform aimed at reducing the number of separate exams, standardising eligibility criteria, and expanding the scope of combined competitive exams conducted by the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC), the state cabinet on Monday approved a major restructuring of the state's hiring processes across departments.

At the heart of the overhaul - aligned with the state's 'Viksit Maharashtra 2047' vision - is a major expansion of the combined examination system, wherein the number of cadres recruited through MPSC's group A and B civil services exams will rise sharply from 57 to 102, with the addition of 45 new cadres.

In a parallel move, the government has approved the creation of 18 new services, bringi...