Pune: Drought-Hit Students Seek Upfront Exam Fee Waiver Instead of Reimbursement

Pune, 28th September 2026: Students from drought-affected areas may continue to face financial difficulties despite the Maharashtra government’s decision to waive examination fees, as the existing system requires them to pay the fee first and claim reimbursement later. Student organisations have demanded that eligible students be exempted from paying the examination fee while submitting their forms.

The state government has declared drought in 265 of Maharashtra’s 358 talukas following inadequate rainfall this year. As part of its relief measures, the government has announced a waiver of examination fees for eligible students from drought-affected areas.

The management council of Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) has also announced an examination fee waiver for eligible students from three districts.

However, student activists have raised concerns over possible delays in the reimbursement process. Student Helping Hand founder Advocate Kuldeep Ambekar said the government’s decision was welcome but could still create difficulties for students if they are required to pay the fee upfront and wait for reimbursement.

“Students have to submit documents, undergo verification and wait for approval and release of funds. This process can take several months,” Ambekar said.

He said universities and colleges already have student records and could identify eligible students in advance. Instead of collecting the examination fee and reimbursing it later, the system should allow eligible students to submit their examination forms without making any payment, he said.

Student organisations have suggested issuing a zero-rupee receipt to eligible students when they submit their examination forms. They said the system would ensure that the fee-waiver benefit reaches drought-affected students directly rather than requiring them to bear the financial burden until reimbursement.

The organisations have urged the government, universities and colleges to modify the existing process so that eligible students can avail themselves of the waiver at the time of submitting their examination forms.