Several Muslim students were reportedly forced to remove their hijabs before entering the exam centre at the Army Public School in Kota, Rajasthan, during a recent NEET test. Students say this act violated their religious freedom and went against the National Testing Agency (NTA)’s official rules.
“Outside the exam centre, they told us we won’t be allowed to enter,” one student told The Observer Post. “These things are not mentioned anywhere by NTA.”
The NTA, which conducts exams like NEET and UGC NET, allows candidates to wear religious clothing such as hijabs or turbans, provided they follow certain rules like arriving early for frisking.
But the student said the rules were ignored.
“We told them that we won’t remove the hijab,” the student said. “But they were adamant. I, along with others, was forced to take off my hijab. Male students were present there too.”
She said, “We felt bad. I have never taken it off, not at a marriage, not in front of relatives. But this time, it happened. I have given this test earlier too, but nothing like this happened that time.”
She added, “I fear others will face this in the future. These people didn’t care about NTA rules, and there’s nobody to question them.”
According to the student, the exam centre staff said they were following orders from the school principal. Police and security guards also reportedly forced students to remove hijabs.
“They had a problem with the hijab,” the girl said. “The guards and police told us the principal gave the orders.”
Hindu students also faced similar issues.
“Hindu students were told to remove their daagas (sacred threads),” she said. “They said no religious symbols were allowed.”
She pointed out that the NTA rules clearly mention that religious attire like hijab or turban is permitted, as long as candidates arrive early for proper checking.
“There were even issues with biometrics,” she said. “They allowed some students to enter without completing biometric verification.”
The NTA has not yet issued a public response on the matter.
