14 October,2026 08:41 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil during an online meeting with vice-chancellors of public universities in Maharashtra, in Mumbai on Wednesday. PIC/X
The Maharashtra government has directed universities and colleges to waive examination fees for students from drought-affected talukas and refund any fees already collected, warning of strict action against institutions that fail to comply.
Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil issued the directives during an online meeting in Mumbai with vice-chancellors of public universities in the state on Wednesday. The decision aims to ease the financial burden on students affected by drought.
Patil instructed all colleges under the Higher and Technical Education Department, including engineering and arts colleges, to accept examination forms without charging fees from eligible students. Institutions that have already collected examination fees must return the amount to the students immediately.
The minister said the waiver was intended to provide educational relief to students amid drought conditions in the state.
He directed vice-chancellors and officials concerned to ensure that universities and colleges strictly follow the instructions.
The meeting, held under Patil's chairmanship, also reviewed university examination procedures, measures to prevent question paper leaks, uniformity in results, academic calendars, implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) and student elections.
Patil stressed the need for transparency in university examinations and effective measures to prevent malpractice, including question paper leaks.
The meeting discussed steps to implement relevant provisions of the Central Government's law aimed at curbing examination malpractice and paper leaks in Maharashtra.
Under the provisions discussed, those found guilty of examination-related offences could face imprisonment of up to 10 years and fines of up to Rs 10 crore. Patil directed universities to strengthen safeguards and take effective steps to prevent irregularities.
The minister also directed universities to make students' degree certificates available on DigiLocker immediately after the declaration of results, starting from the next academic year.
The move is expected to benefit students applying for higher education abroad and those requiring degree certificates for admissions and other official purposes. Digital access would also reduce the need for students to repeatedly visit universities to obtain their documents.
Patil directed all public universities in Maharashtra to implement a uniform academic calendar from the 2026-27 academic year to bring greater consistency to academic activities across institutions.
He also called for the effective implementation of the NEP, including the appropriate structuring of four-year honours degree programmes.
The minister further stressed the need for a uniform policy on re-examinations and the Allowed To Keep Terms (ATKT) system across universities to provide students with greater clarity on examination and result-related rules.
To understand students' concerns and assess facilities on university campuses, Patil will visit universities across Maharashtra between December 15, 2026, and January 15, 2027.
During the visits, he will review academic and administrative functioning and stay overnight in student hostels to inspect accommodation, food, sanitation, drinking water and other basic amenities. He will also interact directly with students to understand their difficulties, expectations and suggestions.
The visits are intended to help the government assess students' problems firsthand and take appropriate corrective measures.
The meeting also discussed moving forward with the process of conducting student elections in universities after Diwali.
Patil directed the officials concerned to examine possible methods of conducting the elections and submit a comprehensive final report.
He said the state government was committed to safeguarding students' academic interests, improving transparency in examinations, expanding digital facilities, implementing the NEP effectively and ensuring greater uniformity in university administration.
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.
