Maharashtra to waive 2026-27 exam fees for eligible students in drought-hit areas

The Maharashtra government has decided to waive examination fees for eligible students in drought-hit areas in the academic year 2026-27. The Higher and Technical Education Department has also issued the rules and conditions for the concession.

Rainfall was low in the state this year, creating drought-like conditions in many parts. The lack of rain badly damaged farming and hit farmers' incomes. The drought has affected not only crops in the fields but the entire finances of farming families. Many families are struggling to meet daily expenses, and paying for their children's education is becoming difficult for parents. Seeing this, the government decided to waive the fees.

According to the government resolution, regular students in drought-affected areas will be able to avail of the exam fee waiver. Students who appear for examinations as external candidates will not get the concession. The waiver will also not apply to students taking an examination again, whether in a subject or the same examination. Only those who are pursuing regular studies and meet the conditions laid down by the government will benefit. In deciding eligibility, a student's academic standing will be considered along with the economic and social background of the family.

Another important point has been clarified in the conditions. Children of people who have a job or business in a city will not get the waiver merely because the family owns farmland in a village. Owning farmland in a village will not be treated as the sole criterion. The family's actual condition and the eligibility rules laid down by the government will be examined.

The government has also made provision for students who have already received a 50 per cent exam fee waiver under the MahaDBT scheme. The remaining 50 per cent of their fee will also be waived. They will now be exempt from the entire exam fee, which will come as major relief to those who had earlier received a half waiver.

The government estimates that the decision will cost about Rs 20.38 lakh. The aim is to ensure that lack of money does not hold back the education of children from farming families in distress because of the drought. To get the waiver, students will have to meet the requirements of regular study, family circumstances and the government's other eligibility conditions. Students concerned will therefore need to find out the rules of the Higher and Technical Education Department.