Mumbai, October 2026: The Maharashtra government’s decision to waive examination fees for students from drought-affected talukas has benefited 2,40,365 students across 26 universities in the state, officials said on Monday.
The initiative, implemented by the Higher and Technical Education Department, aims to provide financial relief to students from drought-hit families. Universities have been directed not to collect examination fees from eligible students, while those who have already paid are being provided refunds.
Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) has reported 65,200 beneficiaries. COEP Technological University and Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth have also initiated the process of refunding fees collected earlier.
Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University has recorded the highest number of beneficiaries among the universities listed, with 78,689 students, followed by SNDT Women’s University with 66,431. Mumbai University has reported 46,575 beneficiaries, while Solapur University has extended the benefit to 12,367 students.
Other institutions, including Shivaji University, Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University and Kavayitri Bahinabai Chaudhari North Maharashtra University, are processing refunds. Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University has introduced a zero-challan facility to simplify the implementation of the waiver.
The decision followed a government resolution issued by the Relief and Rehabilitation Department on September 25, identifying drought-affected talukas. The number of such talukas was subsequently increased from 265 to 305, expanding the coverage of the relief measure.
Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil said the department acted promptly to prevent students from drought-hit families from facing additional financial pressure.
“The process is underway, and no eligible student will be deprived of the benefit,” Patil said.
The implementation is being monitored under the guidance of Director of Higher Education Shailendra Deolankar.
Students experiencing difficulties in accessing the benefit have been advised to contact the helplines operated by their respective universities. The department is working with universities to ensure that eligible students receive the waiver or refunds without unnecessary delays.
