Maharashtra Waives Semester Exam Fees for 2.4 Lakh Students Across 26 Universities

The Maharashtra government’s decision to waive semester examination fees for students from drought-affected regions has benefited 2,40,365 students across 26 state universities, according to reports published on October 19 and 20, 2026.

The initiative, introduced by the state’s Higher and Technical Education Department, aims to reduce the financial burden on students whose families are dealing with the impact of drought. Under the directive, eligible students can complete their semester examination registration without paying examination fees.

The government has also instructed universities and colleges not to collect examination fees from eligible students. Institutions that have already collected the charges have been asked to return the money.

Maharashtra Exam Fee Waiver: Why the Government Took the Decision

The fee waiver comes amid an expansion in the number of drought-affected talukas in Maharashtra. The reported count has increased from 265 to 305, prompting the state to extend financial relief to students from these areas.

The Higher and Technical Education Department issued a government resolution directing universities to implement the exemption for eligible students. The Directorate of Higher Education subsequently instructed universities to circulate the relevant information so that students could access the benefit.

The measure is intended to ensure that financial hardship does not become an additional obstacle for students preparing for their semester examinations.

Over 2.4 Lakh Students Benefit Across 26 Universities

According to the reported figures, 2,40,365 students enrolled in 26 state universities have used the zero-fee option while submitting their semester examination forms.

The number represents students who have benefited from the scheme so far. The total number of beneficiaries across Maharashtra is expected to increase as implementation progresses.

Universities have been asked to inform students about the exemption and ensure that eligible candidates are not charged examination fees during the registration process.

Mumbai University Begins Examination Fee Refunds

The University of Mumbai has begun refunding examination fees amounting to approximately ₹3.5 crore, according to the reports.

Savitribai Phule Pune University has also reported 65,200 beneficiaries under the fee-waiver initiative. COEP Technological University and Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth have reportedly started refunding examination fees collected from eligible students.

These steps are part of the broader implementation of the state's decision to provide financial relief to students from drought-affected regions.

What Eligible Students Need to Know

Students studying at Maharashtra's state universities should check whether their home or eligible location falls within the drought-affected talukas covered by the government resolution.

Eligible candidates should contact their university's examination department or college administration to confirm the documentation required to claim the waiver or obtain a refund.

Students who have already paid their examination fees should ask their institutions about the refund process and expected timeline. Those who have not yet submitted their examination forms should confirm the applicable fee rules before making a payment.

The exemption applies to eligible students under the government's drought-relief measure. Students should not assume that all university charges, tuition fees or other academic expenses have been waived.

Maharashtra Exam Fee Waiver: What Happens Next?

The Directorate of Higher Education is overseeing implementation of the relief measures, with universities responsible for informing students and processing applicable exemptions or refunds.

The initiative is expected to provide further relief as more eligible students become aware of the scheme. Students should monitor official university notices and communications from the Maharashtra Directorate of Higher Education for updates on eligibility, refunds and implementation.