Under the new rules, fee reimbursement amounts will be credited directly to students' bank accounts through the DBT system. The ePASS portal will remain open throughout the year, allowing students to apply at any time.

The government has also announced a fixed schedule for releasing funds. Students who apply between April and July will receive payments by August 15, while those applying later will receive funds according to the prescribed timeline.

Students must pay the fee amount to their colleges within seven working days after receiving the reimbursement. The government has warned of action against those who fail to do so.

In another key change, scholarships for eligible students will be renewed automatically in subsequent academic years, subject to verification by their institutions.