Exam fees waived for students in drought-hit areas; colleges that charge them face strict action

The Higher and Technical Education Department has taken a major decision to give relief to students in the state's drought-affected areas. No exam fee will now be charged to any student in these areas, and their examination forms will be filled without a fee. Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakantdada Patil clearly directed that the amount be refunded to students from whom fees have already been collected. Universities and colleges must follow these directions.

Patil also warned that any college found collecting exam fees from students will face strict action. He said that, given the drought conditions in the state, all colleges under the department should not charge students exam fees. This includes engineering colleges, arts colleges and the other colleges under the department. The decision has been taken so that students are not burdened financially.

The directions were given at a meeting held at Sahyadri Guest House. An online meeting was held under the chairmanship of Minister Chandrakantdada Patil with the vice-chancellors of all public universities in the state. The meeting reviewed the exam fees of students in drought-affected areas and discussed in detail the universities' examination process, measures to stop paper leaks, uniformity in results, the academic calendar, implementation of the National Education Policy and student elections.

On paper leaks, Patil said it is necessary to bring transparency to the examination process, stop irregularities such as paper leaks and bring uniformity to the results process. The meeting also discussed the action needed to implement in Maharashtra the provisions of the law the Centre has made to prevent paper leaks and malpractice in examinations. Under the law, offenders can face up to 10 years in jail and a fine of up to Rs 10 crore. The minister therefore asked the universities to take the necessary care in the examination system and adopt effective measures to stop irregularities.

The minister directed that from the next academic year, students be given their degree certificates in DigiLocker as soon as results are declared. This will ensure that students going abroad for higher education get their certificates on time for the admission process and further studies. They will not have to repeatedly visit the university for certificates, saving their time and effort.

Universities have been asked to implement a uniform academic calendar in all public universities in the state from the 2026-27 academic year. The minister also spoke of properly structuring and effectively implementing the fourth-year honours degree course under the National Education Policy (NEP). He also said the state's universities need a common policy to bring uniformity to the rules on re-examination and ATKT, so that students have clarity on examination and results rules.

To learn of students' problems, Minister Patil will visit the state's universities between December 15, 2026 and January 15, 2027. During these visits, one day will be devoted to reviewing the university's academic and administrative functioning. At night he will stay with students in the hostel and take stock of accommodation, food, cleanliness, drinking water and other basic facilities. He will also speak directly with students and hear their difficulties, expectations and suggestions.

The meeting also discussed taking the student election process forward after Diwali. Patil asked the officials concerned to consider all aspects of how the elections can be held and submit a final report. He said the state government is making efforts for students' academic interests, transparency in the examination process, digital facilities, effective implementation of the National Education Policy and uniformity in the functioning of universities.

Principal Secretary Ranjitsingh Deol; Dr Pramod Naik, director of the Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education and director of the Technical Education Department; Deputy Secretary Amol Mutyal; Deputy Secretary Pratap Lubal; Dr Kishor Ingle, director of the Maharashtra State Directorate of Art; Higher Education Department Deputy Secretary Ashok Mande; Higher Education Director Dr Shailendra Devlankar; the vice-chancellors of all public universities (online) and officials concerned were present at the meeting.