Bengaluru: A controversy has surfaced at Krupanidhi College after several students alleged they were forced to remove their sacred thread during the Common Entrance Test (CET), sparking outrage among parents and raising questions about exam guidelines.
The incident reportedly took place at the college’s examination centre in Madivala during the CET, conducted for admissions into professional courses across Karnataka.
Students allege forced removal
According to students, invigilators at the centre instructed candidates wearing the sacred thread (Janeu/Yajnopaveetha) to remove it before entering the examination hall. Some students claimed they were left with no choice but to comply in order to write the exam.
One student stated that while removal of metal items such as earrings was understandable due to security protocols, being asked to remove the sacred thread was distressing. Others also alleged that religious threads tied around the wrist, such as Mauli or Kalava, were removed.
Parents question violation of guidelines
Following the exam, parents reportedly gathered at the centre and questioned officials over the decision. They pointed out that the state government had previously clarified that sacred threads should not be removed during CET examinations.
Last year, similar incidents in districts like Shivamogga and Bidar had triggered widespread criticism, prompting assurances from authorities that such practices would not be repeated.
Parents have now expressed concern over the recurrence of the issue despite clear instructions, calling for accountability and stricter enforcement of guidelines.
Government stance and past assurances
In earlier instances, M C Sudhakar had assured that action would be taken against those responsible for enforcing such measures. The state government had also directed examination authorities to respect religious sentiments while maintaining exam security protocols.
Despite these assurances, the latest incident has reignited debate over the balance between examination rules and religious freedoms.
Need for clarity in exam protocols
Education experts suggest that clearer and uniformly implemented guidelines are necessary to avoid confusion at examination centres. While security measures are essential to prevent malpractice, they must be applied in a manner that does not infringe upon personal or religious practices.
The lack of consistency in enforcement across centres has been identified as a key issue, leading to differing experiences for students.
Conclusion
The incident at Krupanidhi College has once again highlighted the sensitivity surrounding religious practices in examination settings. As authorities face renewed scrutiny, there is growing demand for clear, consistent, and respectful implementation of rules to ensure that students can appear for exams without distress or discrimination.