Maharashtra has directed universities and colleges to waive examination fees for students from drought-affected talukas and refund fees already collected, in a move intended to reduce the financial burden on families facing drought-related hardship.
Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil issued the instructions during an online meeting with vice-chancellors of public universities in the state on Wednesday. He directed colleges under the Higher and Technical Education Department, including engineering and arts colleges, to accept examination forms from eligible students without charging fees.
Institutions that have already collected examination fees from eligible students must return the amount immediately, according to the directions reported by Mid-Day. Patil warned that strict action would be taken against universities and colleges that fail to comply. Vice-chancellors and concerned officials were instructed to ensure that the waiver is implemented across the institutions under their jurisdiction.
The decision comes as drought conditions affect parts of Maharashtra and follows the government’s stated intention to provide educational relief to students in affected areas. The report does not specify the number of eligible students, the total financial value of the waiver or the talukas covered by the measure.
The meeting also examined a wider set of university administration and examination issues. These included steps to prevent question paper leaks, reduce examination malpractice, improve uniformity in results, implement the National Education Policy and advance the process for student elections.
Patil directed universities to strengthen safeguards against examination-related irregularities. The meeting discussed provisions of the Central Government’s law aimed at curbing examination malpractice and paper leaks. As reported, those found guilty of examination-related offences could face imprisonment of up to 10 years and fines of up to Rs 10 crore.
The minister also instructed universities to make degree certificates available on DigiLocker immediately after results are declared, starting from the next academic year. The digital certificates are intended to assist students applying for higher education abroad or requiring documents for admissions and other official purposes, while reducing the need for repeated visits to university offices.
Public universities in Maharashtra have additionally been asked to implement a uniform academic calendar from the 2026-27 academic year. Patil called for effective implementation of the National Education Policy, including the appropriate structuring of four-year honours degree programmes. He also sought a uniform policy on re-examinations and the Allowed To Keep Terms system across universities, which could provide students with greater consistency in examination and result-related rules.
Patil is scheduled to visit universities across Maharashtra between December 15, 2026, and January 15, 2027. During these visits, he plans to review academic and administrative functioning and stay overnight in student hostels to assess accommodation, food, sanitation and drinking-water facilities. He is also expected to interact with students and record their concerns and suggestions.
The meeting further discussed restarting the process for university student elections after Diwali. Officials were asked to examine possible methods of conducting the elections and submit a comprehensive final report. Principal Secretary Ranjit Singh Deol, Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education Director Dr Pramod Naik, senior department officials and vice-chancellors of public universities attended the meeting online.
