A NEET-UG aspirant in Ajmer alleged that she was initially denied entry into her examination centre on Sunday for wearing a burqa, triggering protests outside the venue before the matter was later resolved.
The student, Kulsum Bano, had arrived from Beawar to appear for the NEET re-examination.
Student Says She Was Asked to Remove Burqa and Dupatta
Speaking to reporters, Kulsum Bano claimed that security staff at the centre first asked her to remove her dupatta and later told her to take off her burqa before entering.
“When I gave the exam on May 3, I was wearing the same clothes — burqa and dupatta. If the NTA has allowed it, then they cannot stop us,” she said.
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The NEET-UG re-exam was held on June 21 after the earlier exam on May 3 was cancelled over alleged paper leak concerns.
“Exam Doesn’t Matter, My Identity Does”
Kulsum said she was prepared to skip the exam rather than remove her religious attire.
“The exam doesn’t matter to me. What matters is my burqa and my identity,” she said.
She called the situation “shameful” and said students should not face confusion over rules at the last moment.
Her remarks quickly drew attention on social media, with many debating dress code rules and religious freedom in competitive exams.
Father Says NTA Rules Allow Religious Dress
Kulsum’s father, Mohammad Aalim, supported her stand and said the family was aware of the National Testing Agency’s guidelines.
“Rule 18 clearly says candidates can wear religious attire. We told them to call a female staff member and do a proper check in private, but they refused,” he said.
He added, “If the NTA allows it, then they must follow their own rules. Otherwise, my daughter would not appear without her burqa.”
Police Say Issue Resolved, Student Allowed Entry
Ajmer Police later clarified that the issue had been sorted out and that the student was eventually allowed inside the examination centre.
Circle Officer Shivam Joshi said there was some confusion regarding the implementation of the dress code rules.
“There was a lack of clarity regarding certain rules, which was later clarified by senior officials. The burqa-related issue has been resolved, and all students entered peacefully,” he said.
NTA Guidelines on Religious Attire
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has stated in its guidelines that candidates are allowed to wear religious attire, including hijab, burqa, turbans and other faith-based clothing, but they must report early for detailed frisking and security checks.
This year’s NEET re-exam is being conducted under tight security, with CCTV surveillance, biometric verification and electronic jammers deployed at centres across India.
