Mumbai University Orders Full Exam Fee Refund for Students from 305 Drought-Hit Talukas

The University of Mumbai has instructed its affiliated and autonomous colleges to refund examination fees paid by eligible students from drought-affected talukas in Maharashtra. This follows the state government's decision to waive examination fees for school and college students in areas declared drought-affected during the 2026 kharif season.

The Maharashtra government has identified 305 talukas as drought-affected. In compliance with the government resolution, the university has begun reimbursing colleges for exam fees collected from eligible students. Colleges must start processing refunds from Friday, October 16, ensuring all eligible students across all faculties receive their full refund promptly.

College principals have been directed to personally oversee the refund process, maintain detailed records of refunds by student and faculty, and submit a compliance report to the university's Board of Examinations and Evaluation. For examinations where fees have not yet been collected, colleges are instructed not to charge eligible students from drought-affected talukas. Students must select the 'Drought Affected Taluka' category on examination forms where available to ensure exam fees are excluded from mandatory charges.