Maharashtra Exam Fee Waiver 2026: What Students Need to Know
Maharashtra: In areas of Maharashtra affected by drought, the state government has reportedly ordered that examination fees be waived. Because of this, 2,40,365 students of the 26 state universities were able to fill in their semester examination forms, free of cost, according to media reports of October 19 and 20, 2026. In response to the drought, the state government has ordered the university administration not to collect examination fees from eligible students from the notified drought affected talukas. The order is intended to provide relief from the additional financial burden on families affected by drought.
Along with students who have not yet submitted their examination forms, universities are also providing refunds to eligible students who already paid the examination fee. Students should read their university circulars and see if they are eligible, and not assume that they automatically qualify for the waiver just because they are a resident of Maharashtra.
Why Has Maharashtra Announced the Examination Fee Waiver?
On September 25, 2026, the state government of Maharashtra released a government resolution and increased the drought affected talukas from 265 to 305. Based on this, the Higher and Technical Education Department of the state issued directions to all the universities to exempt eligible students from examination fee.
The Directorate of Higher Education has also asked universities to issue circulars to students for the exemption. The purpose of the initiative was to relieve the financial burden on the families of students who are already affected due to the drought situation.
How Many Have Benefited, So Far?
Recent data shows the extent of the policy in Maharashtra's public university system.
|
Key detail |
Reported information |
|
Students benefiting so far |
2,40,365 |
|
Universities covered |
26 state universities |
|
Drought-affected talukas |
305 |
|
Government resolution date |
September 25, 2026 |
|
Expected beneficiaries |
More than 5 lakh by October 30, 2026 |
|
Mumbai University refund process |
Approximately ₹3.5 crore |
The figure of 2,40,365 shows the number of students who took advantage of the zero-fee facility when applying for examinations. The state expects the total beneficiary figure to cross 5 lakh by October 30. These figures are interim figures. Full implementation and authentic guidance of the beneficiary institutions will determine what kind of benefit and how much a student really receives.
Mumbai University Begins Examination Fee Refunds
Mumbai University has started the refund process of approximate Rs. 3.5 crore of examination fees for students who are eligible for the fee waiver. Refund process is important, as there are students who submitted their examination forms before the full implementation of the waiver at their institutions. A state order mandates universities to implement the exemption in practice, rather than announcing it.
Savitribai Phule Pune University has reported 65,200 beneficiaries of the scheme. Other universities like the Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth and COEP have also reportedly initiated the refund processes, as per media reports. The pace of different universities implementing the waiver will differ based on the number of eligible students.
How Eligible Students Can Access the Fee Waiver
Students studying at universities covered by the measure should follow these steps:
1. Check University Notice: Visit the official university website for the examination fee waiver circular.
2. Assess Eligibility: Check if the student’s taluka (sub-district) is situated in the drought-affected area, notified by the university, and whether the university exemption is for the course and examination concerned.
3. Use the Appropriate Examination Form: It is reported that eligible students can select a “zero challan” option while filling in the examination form.
4. Follow the University’s Refund Procedure: Students who have already paid the examination fees should follow the university’s refund procedure and submit any additional documents required, if any.
5. Contact the University: If the student is asked to pay the examination fees despite being exempted, they should contact the university examination department or the nodal officer of the university.
An authorized circular should contain procedure and other details, particularly deadlines, pertaining to the university. Students should retain the examination form acknowledgement or the payment receipt, as the case may be.
What Should Students Do if They are Still Charged?
The state has directed universities to implement the fee waiver and the Higher and Technical Education Department is monitoring the same. Students should first escalate their concerns to the examination department/ nodal officer of the university.
Students should retain proof of their residence, and any other proof requested by the university, their examination application form and the payment receipt. Students should not be under the impression that a refund will be automatically processed.
Conclusion
The examination-fee waiver scheme by Maharashtra Government has brought financial relief to about 2.4 lakh students in 26 state universities. The students from the drought-affected districts have been given financial relief through this scheme. Refunds are under process at the University of Mumbai. Presently, the focus is on the eligible students, to aware them about the scheme and on the removal of administrative delays in availing the benefit of the scheme.
Students must check the official notifications of the universities regarding fee waiver, application process and refunds. The relief measures are implemented by the universities and benefits of the schemes depend on proper implementation at the university level.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the estimated number of students who have benefited from the Maharashtra exam fee waiver?
At the time of the report, 2,40,365 students in 26 state universities were benefitting from the exam fee waiver.
2. What is the justification for the Maharashtra University exam fee waiver?
As part of financial inclusion, the state government has offered this waiver to students from drought-affected areas to relieve their families from additional financial burden.
3. What areas are included in the Maharashtra exam fee waiver?
The exam fee waiver is applicable to students from 305 talukas identified as drought affected areas, as per the government orders issued by the Relief and Rehabilitation Department. It is advisable to check the official orders and university circulars for eligibility.
4. When was the government order issued?
The government order was issued on 25th September 2026.
5. Are students who already paid university exam fees, eligible for a refund?
Yes, refunds will be provided to students who paid university exam fees prior to the government order. The university will frame its own procedure and specify the time frame within which the refund will be provided.
6. How much has the University of Mumbai refunded?
The University of Mumbai has processed refunds of approx. ₹3.5 crore.
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