Exam fees waived, refunds underway: Maharashtra steps up relief for drought-hit students

Maharashtra has waived examination fees for eligible students across 26 state universities, with more than 2.4 lakh students already able to submit their examination forms without payment. The state government has also begun arranging refunds for students who paid their fees before the exemption was introduced.

The number of beneficiaries is expected to exceed five lakh by Oct 30, the deadline for submitting examination forms. The higher and technical education department has directed universities to extend the relief to eligible students from 305 drought-affected talukas.

Students can claim the exemption by selecting the 'zero challan' option while filling out their examination forms. The facility allows them to complete the submission process without making a payment, easing the financial pressure on families affected by drought.

“No student’s education should be disrupted because of the drought. The govt stands firmly behind students by waiving their examination fees. The department took an immediate decision to ensure that students from drought-affected families do not face a financial burdenThe process is still under way, and not a single student will be left out,” said higher and technical education minister Chandrakant Patil.

The relief coverage was expanded after the state relief and rehabilitation department issued a government resolution (GR) on Sept 25, increasing the number of drought-affected talukas from 265 to 305.

The higher and technical education department subsequently directed universities to extend the examination fee waiver to eligible students across all 305 talukas.

Universities arrange exemptions and refunds

The department has instructed universities to implement the waiver through formal circulars and establish arrangements for students who had already paid their fees. Those who have not submitted their examination forms can use the zero-challan facility instead.

“The department has taken steps to implement the waiver across universities rather than limiting the measure to issuing a govt order. Universities were instructed to issue circulars confirming the exemption, while arrangements were made for students who had already paid their examination fees to receive refunds. Those yet to submit their forms were given the zero-challan option,” said Dr Shailendra Deolankar, director of higher education.

The University of Mumbai has begun processing refunds totaling approximately ₹3.5 crore for eligible students who had paid examination fees, according to the department.

Department monitors implementation across universities

The waiver's implementation is being monitored at three levels: the directorate, universities and their examination departments. Deolankar is reviewing progress to identify gaps and ensure that eligible students receive the benefit.

Patil has directed all universities to implement the exemption. Students who encounter problems or are asked to pay despite qualifying for the waiver can contact the helpline provided by their respective universities.

The department is continuing to track implementation ahead of the Oct 30 deadline. Officials aim to ensure that administrative delays do not prevent eligible students in drought-affected talukas from receiving relief, either through an upfront exemption or a refund for fees already paid.