Karnataka CET Re-test for students who removed Janivara/Hijab

Karnataka government plans a re-test for students who were asked to remove religious items like janivara and hijab during the CET exam, offering a second chance to affected students.
By Newsroom | Education, Karnataka |

Govt Plans Re-Test for Students Forced to Remove Janivara, Hijab

The Karnataka government intends to offer a second chance for students who were compelled to remove their janivara (sacred thread) and hijab during the recent Common Entrance Test (CET). Higher Education Minister M.C. Sudhakar announced on Thursday, April 30, that this move is being considered "in the interest of students." This potential re-examination follows reports of similar incidents in previous years.

Students who were asked to remove janivara and hijab during CET to get another chance to write exam - 1

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has clarified that there is no official ban on students wearing sacred threads during examinations, and they should not be prevented from appearing for tests on this basis. The authority has reiterated that guidelines were previously communicated to examination centres and staff, emphasizing the avoidance of unnecessary restrictions on students. While some items like ornaments might be restricted, religious symbols like janivara are explicitly not part of the prohibited list.

Read More: CISCE 2026 Results Out: 4.1 Lakh Students Check Scores Online

Students who were asked to remove janivara and hijab during CET to get another chance to write exam - 2

Multiple Incidents Across Centres

Reports indicate that several students across Karnataka faced similar demands to remove religious symbols. In Bengaluru, three college staffers were suspended following allegations of forcing students to remove their janivara before the CET. An investigation, including statements from students and review of CCTV footage, suggested the removal might have been intentional at one centre.

Another student, Suchivrat Kulkarni, was reportedly denied entry for wearing a janivara and had to leave without writing the exam. He was later offered the choice between retaking the Mathematics paper or accepting an average score based on his performance in other subjects for his CET ranking. Similar accounts emerged from other examination centres where students alleged being asked to remove not only janivara but also threads like 'kalawa' tied on their wrists.

Political Reactions and Past Precedents

The incidents have drawn sharp criticism, with some political figures labeling the ruling party as "anti-Hindu." This controversy echoes similar situations from last year, where students faced the same demands during CET and NEET examinations. Despite clear directives issued after last year's events, questions are being raised about why such incidents are recurring. The Karnataka government has promised strict action against those found responsible for allegedly forcing students to remove religious identifiers.

Read More: Karnataka offers ₹5 lakh compensation for rain deaths

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why might students get a re-test for the Karnataka CET exam?
The Karnataka government is considering a re-test for students who were forced to remove their janivara (sacred thread) or hijab during the recent Common Entrance Test (CET). This is being done in the interest of the students affected by these incidents.
Q: What happened to students wearing janivara or hijab during the CET exam?
Reports show several students across Karnataka were allegedly asked to remove their religious symbols, including janivara and hijab, before writing the CET exam. In some cases, students were denied entry.
Q: What is the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) saying about this?
The KEA has stated that there is no official ban on wearing janivara during exams and students should not be stopped from writing. They have reminded examination centres of the guidelines which do not prohibit religious symbols like janivara.
Q: What action is being taken against those responsible?
The Karnataka government has promised strict action against any staff members found responsible for forcing students to remove their religious identifiers. Some college staffers have already been suspended following initial investigations.