In a move aimed at keeping rural talent on track for professional courses, the Nanded district administration will offer free coaching for NEET, JEE and CET examinations to 200 students from economically weaker families in rural areas. Officials shared the details this week, linking the step to the financial pressures many households face amid drought conditions across Maharashtra.

Students currently in Class 10 at Zilla Parishad high schools and private aided schools in rural parts of the district can apply. Selection will happen through an entrance test planned for December. Those who make it will receive structured coaching designed to prepare them for medical, engineering and other professional entrance exams.

District Collector Rahul Kardile explained that the screening process is meant to identify bright and promising students from rural belts who need support. He noted that the goal is to prevent financial distress caused by the drought from stopping these students from competing on merit. The administration has appealed to eligible students and their families to use the opportunity.

Drought has added strain on many rural families this year after a weak monsoon left large parts of the state short of water and affected farm incomes. In such conditions, the cost of private coaching often becomes a barrier even for capable students. This free coaching programme tries to remove that hurdle for a select group of meritorious learners so they can still aim for higher education pathways.

This could be particularly useful for parents of Class 10 students from rural Nanded, as they plan their next steps after board exams. Teachers in Zilla Parishad and aided schools can also guide interested students toward the application process once details on the December test are fully shared. For the selected 200, the structured guidance could make a practical difference in their preparation for competitive exams that open doors to medical and engineering seats.

The initiative remains focused on rural students from economically weaker backgrounds and is being presented as a local effort to protect educational chances during a difficult season. Eligible students are being encouraged to come forward and take part in the selection process.