Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University in Nanded, Maharashtra, has announced a waiver of examination fees for students from drought-affected talukas for the upcoming winter 2026 exams. This decision aims to support students facing financial challenges due to drought conditions in their regions.
- Exam fees waived for students from drought-affected talukas in Maharashtra.
- Students must provide proof of residence and income certificate (family income under Rs 8 lakh).
- Waiver applies to undergraduate, diploma, postgraduate, professional, and non-professional courses.
- Verification of documents will be done at the college level.
- Students must confirm they have not received any other government exam fee reimbursement.
Which students are eligible for the exam fee waiver?
The waiver is available to regular students enrolled in undergraduate, diploma, postgraduate, professional, and non-professional courses at colleges affiliated with Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University, including its campuses and sub-centres. Eligible students must reside in one of the drought-affected talukas declared by the Maharashtra government.
What documentation is required to avail the waiver?
Students need to submit proof of residence in a drought-affected taluka and a certificate indicating that their family's annual income does not exceed Rs 8 lakh. Additionally, they must provide a declaration confirming they have not received examination fee reimbursement under any other government educational concession.
How many talukas in Maharashtra are drought-affected?
Out of 358 talukas in Maharashtra, 265 have been officially declared drought-affected. This large number reflects the severity of the drought situation in the state and the need for supportive measures for affected students.
When will the exam fee waiver apply?
The waiver applies to the winter 2026 semester examinations, which are scheduled to be held in November and December. Students planning to appear for these exams can avail themselves of this benefit by submitting the required documents to their respective colleges.
Who is responsible for verifying the eligibility of students?
The verification of submitted documents will be conducted at the college level. Only students who meet all the eligibility criteria will be granted the examination fee waiver. Colleges will also require students to submit a prescribed undertaking as part of the process.
What prompted the university to implement this fee waiver?
The decision followed an online meeting held on October 1, chaired by the Maharashtra state higher and technical education minister. The meeting reviewed the drought situation in the state and issued instructions to waive examination fees for eligible students from drought-affected areas to ease their financial burden.
How can students apply for the waiver?
Eligible students should contact their respective colleges and submit the necessary documents, including proof of residence, income certificate, and the undertaking form. The university's Board of Examinations and Evaluation has urged students to complete this process promptly to benefit from the fee waiver for the winter 2026 exams.
