Maharashtra waives Class 10, 12 exam fees for students in drought-hit areas

Several districts of Maharashtra are currently reeling under drought, and the state government has decided to give relief to Class 10 and Class 12 students. On September 25, the government declared drought-like conditions in 265 talukas of the state. The decision comes against this background.

The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education has since issued an important circular. According to it, no examination fee will be charged to students appearing in the Class 10 (Secondary School Certificate) and Class 12 (Higher Secondary Certificate) examinations to be held in February-March 2027. These students will not have to pay any exam fee out of their own pockets.

The state board's secretary, Dr Deepak Mali, has clearly directed that schools and junior colleges in drought-affected areas get these students' examination forms filled without charging any fee. Students should not be asked for money even at the time of filling the forms.

The order also says that all divisional boards in the state must immediately pass these instructions on to schools and junior colleges in the drought-affected talukas of their areas. They must also send a report on the action taken to the state board at the earliest.

Despite the drought across the state, some colleges in drought-affected areas had been pressing students to pay the examination fee. Considerable anger had been expressed over this. The state board has taken the decision in the interest of students.

The decision brings major financial relief to thousands of students in drought-affected areas and their parents. Detailed and official instructions on the matter will soon be sent separately to the schools and colleges concerned.