Student in Karnataka forced to remove Hijab for UGC NET exam

A student in Karnataka said that she was forced to remove her headscarf before sitting for the UGC NET examination at an exam center in Ram Nagar, Karnataka.

The student, who has previously appeared for various competitive exams, stated this was her first experience of being required to remove her hijab before writing any exam, Vartha Bharati reported.

She mentioned that in all previous exams, she was allowed to wear her hijab. According to the student, the National Testing Agency (NTA), which organizes the UGC NET exam, has a provision in its list of instructions stating: “If religion/customs require you to wear specific attire, please visit the Centre early for thorough checking and mandatory frisking.”

Adhering to this instruction, the student reported at the exam center an hour before the scheduled time. However, she was told she could not appear for the exam wearing her hijab. She was only permitted to write the exam after agreeing to remove her hijab. Speaking to Vartha Bharati on the condition of anonymity, she expressed her dismay at the incident.