The Madhya Pradesh Employees Selection Board (MPESB), commonly known as the state’s primary recruitment body, has officially released its annual exam calendar for the year 2026. This announcement comes as a major relief for thousands of government job aspirants across the state who have been waiting for a clear roadmap for the upcoming recruitment cycle. The new calendar provides a detailed schedule for various recruitment tests, eligibility exams, and professional entrance tests planned from January to December 2026.
According to the latest updates from the board, the year will be packed with high-stakes examinations covering a wide range of departments. From police recruitment and teacher eligibility to specialized technical roles, the schedule ensures a steady flow of career opportunities throughout the year. The release of this timeline allows candidates to plan their studies more effectively, though the board has reminded applicants that these dates remain tentative and subject to change based on administrative requirements.
Key Highlights of the MPESB 2026 Schedule
The 2026 calendar kicks off immediately with significant recruitment drives in January. One of the most anticipated exams, the Sub-Inspector (SI) Recruitment Examination for 2025, is scheduled to begin on January 16, 2026. This will be followed closely by the Group-2 Subgroup-3 Combined Recruitment Examination starting on January 23. These early-year exams are expected to draw a massive number of applicants, setting a busy tone for the board in the first quarter.
As the year progresses, the focus will shift toward technical and health sectors. In February, the board plans to conduct exams for ITI Training Officers and Group-5 Staff Nurses. March and April will see recruitment tests for Jail Prahari (Jail Guards), Field Guards, and Assistant Sub-Engineers. The middle of the year is largely dedicated to entrance examinations for nursing and agriculture courses, which are crucial for students seeking admission into professional colleges within Madhya Pradesh.
Major Recruitment and Eligibility Tests
A significant portion of the calendar is dedicated to the education sector. The Middle School Teacher Eligibility Test is slated for July 2026, while the Primary School Teacher Eligibility Test is expected to take place in August. These eligibility tests are mandatory for those wishing to secure teaching positions in government schools. Following these, the latter half of the year includes recruitment for Group-4 assistants and the much-awaited Police Constable recruitment, which is tentatively scheduled for October 2026.
The board has also included estimated vacancy numbers for several posts. For instance, the Jail Prahari and Field Guard recruitment is expected to cover over 1,400 positions, while the Sub-Inspector recruitment has a sanctioned strength of approximately 500 posts. These numbers give candidates an idea of the level of competition they will face in the coming months.
Why This Calendar Matters for MP Aspirants
In recent years, the recruitment process in Madhya Pradesh has faced various delays and legal hurdles. By releasing a comprehensive 2026 calendar, the MPESB is signaling a move toward more disciplined and transparent operations. For students, this transparency is vital. It eliminates the guesswork involved in preparation and helps them prioritize exams based on their qualifications, whether they hold a 10th-grade certificate, a diploma, or a postgraduate degree.
Furthermore, the board has emphasized the use of the MP Online portal for all registration and application processes. Aspirants are encouraged to keep their “Candidate Profile” updated with correct Aadhaar details and recent photographs to avoid last-minute technical issues. This centralized system is designed to make the application journey smoother and more secure for every candidate.
What Happens Next?
While the calendar provides a bird’s-eye view of the year, individual “Rulebooks” or detailed notifications for each exam will be released roughly 30 to 45 days before the respective exam dates. These rulebooks will contain the final word on eligibility criteria, syllabus, application fees, and exact exam shifts. Candidates should monitor the official MPESB website (esb.mp.gov.in) regularly for these updates.
As of now, the application window for the Group-1 Subgroup-2 recruitment is already open and is set to close on January 7, 2026. Candidates eligible for these posts should ensure they complete their submissions before the deadline to avoid any server-related delays.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where can I download the official MPESB 2026 Exam Calendar?
You can download the PDF directly from the official website of the Madhya Pradesh Employees Selection Board at esb.mp.gov.in. Look for the “Exam Schedule” tab on the homepage.
2. Are the dates mentioned in the MPESB calendar final?
No, the dates provided in the annual calendar are tentative. The board may change the dates due to administrative reasons or unforeseen circumstances. Final dates are always confirmed through the official notification of each specific exam.
3. What is the full form of MPESB?
MPESB stands for Madhya Pradesh Employees Selection Board. It was formerly known as the Madhya Pradesh Professional Examination Board (MPPEB) or Vyapam.
4. When will the MP Police Constable 2026 exam be held?
According to the tentative calendar, the recruitment process for Police Constables is scheduled to begin in October 2026.
5. Can candidates from other states apply for MPESB exams?
Yes, candidates from other states can usually apply for MPESB recruitment, but they are typically considered under the “Unreserved” (General) category and are not eligible for reservation benefits meant for MP residents.