The state's education minister said on Monday that it wants more time to prepare for final year exams to prevent students from having to leave their homes. Most varsities, including Mumbai University, have asked for an extension of the University Grants Commission (UGC) deadline of September 30 to October 31 and beyond.

There are 20 universities in the state with collectively 8 lakh students who are to appear for their exams. Tentatively, the exams will begin in the first week of October and results expected by the second week of November.