Meghalaya Cabinet clears Meghalaya-focused paper for MCS exam; several service and policy decisions approved
The Meghalaya Cabinet approved a new Meghalaya-specific paper for the MCS competitive examination and also decided on changes covering official languages, the “
The Meghalaya Cabinet has approved a new dedicated paper on the state for the Meghalaya Civil Service (MCS) competitive examination. The decision aims to help future civil servants gain a deeper understanding of Meghalaya’s history, culture, governance systems and economy.
Paper VI to focus on Meghalaya
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said an expert committee headed by Professor David Syiemlieh was formed to study the proposal. The Cabinet accepted the committee’s recommendations, which will lead to the introduction of Paper VI specifically on Meghalaya.
Sangma said the objective is that MCS officers should have knowledge of the state’s different systems and economic aspects, along with its cultural and historical background. The Cabinet’s approval also clears the way for the examination structure to include the Meghalaya-focused component.
The Cabinet further decided to introduce the Meghalaya Official Languages Bill, 2026 in the upcoming Assembly session. The bill is meant to amend the existing law and recognise Khasi and Garo as official languages of the state, following an ordinance already in place.
Automatic appeals and other administrative changes
Under the Meghalaya Right to Public Services Act, 2020, the Cabinet approved an automatic appeal mechanism for online applications. Sangma said that if a notified service is not delivered within the specified timeframe, an appeal will be triggered automatically, without citizens needing to file a separate appeal.
Other approvals include a one-year extension of the registration period under the Meghalaya Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy, 2024. The Cabinet also approved amendments to the Meghalaya Commerce and Industry Service Amendment Rules, 2026, aimed at aligning an age-related provision with the government’s decision to increase the upper age limit for Scheduled Tribe candidates in the state to 32 years.
In a fiscal administration move, the Cabinet approved merging VAT on alcohol with the excise duty regime by bringing both under the Excise Department. Sangma said the change is expected to improve monitoring and coordination and support excise revenue. The Cabinet also discussed parts of the speech planned for Independence Day.
