The Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University in Nanded has waived examination fees for the winter 2026 session for students from drought-affected talukas.

The waiver covers the exams to be held in November and December. It applies to regular students of undergraduate, diploma, postgraduate, professional and non-professional courses at affiliated colleges, campuses and sub-centres.

To qualify, students must show proof of residence in a drought-hit taluka and a certificate that the family income does not exceed Rs 8 lakh a year. They must also declare they have not claimed fee reimbursement under any other government scheme.

As many as 265 of Maharashtra’s 358 talukas have been declared drought-affected. The decision followed an October 1 meeting chaired by the state higher and technical education minister.

College authorities will verify the income and residence documents. The waiver comes as 265 of Maharashtra’s 358 talukas reel from drought, one of the worst-hit spells in recent years.