A controversy has erupted in Bengaluru after several students appearing for the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (CET) alleged they were asked to remove their sacred threads before entering the examination hall.
The incident reportedly took place at a private college in the Madivala area, where five Brahmin students said they were instructed to remove religious threads such as the “Janeu” and wrist threads like “Kalawa” as a condition to write the exam. The students and their parents later complained that this affected their ability to concentrate during the test.
Following the complaints, an FIR was registered against the staff involved, and police began an investigation into the matter. Three teaching staff members linked to the examination centre were also taken into custody for questioning.
In response to the controversy, the college suspended the invigilator and other staff members pending inquiry. Authorities said the action was taken to ensure a fair investigation into the allegations.
The issue quickly escalated into a political debate, with opposition parties criticising the state government and accusing it of mishandling the situation. Parents of the affected students also raised objections, saying clear guidelines had already been issued earlier that students should not be forced to remove religious symbols like the sacred thread.
Some students also alleged that wrist threads traditionally worn during religious occasions were removed by staff during security checks, adding to their distress.
Officials, however, said the CET examination process follows strict security and malpractice-prevention rules, and an inquiry is underway to determine whether those guidelines were wrongly interpreted or improperly enforced.
The incident has sparked wider discussions on balancing exam security protocols with respect for religious practices in educational institutions.
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