Muslim student wearing burqa denied entry to India exam center

A NEET-UG candidate in Ajmer, Rajasthan, has alleged she was initially prevented from entering an examination center for wearing a burqa during a re-examination held on Sunday. The student stated she had worn the same religious attire for the earlier NEET-UG exam on May 3 without facing any restrictions.

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The candidate told reporters that she had appeared for the earlier NEET-UG exam on May 3 in the same attire and was not stopped at that time. She said officials first asked her to remove her dupatta and later insisted that she remove her burqa as well.

According to the candidate, officials first asked her to remove her dupatta and subsequently insisted she remove her burqa as well. She reported that her request for a private check by a female staff member was denied. The National Testing Agency's rules permit candidates to wear articles of faith, provided they arrive early for adequate frisking.

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The student’s father said they requested that a female staff member conduct the checking in a private area, but alleged that the request was refused.

Responding to the complaint, the NTA confirmed that the student was ultimately permitted to enter the center and participate in the re-examination. Ajmer CO North Shivam Joshi explained that the incident stemmed from a lack of clarity regarding certain rules, which was resolved after senior officials intervened to provide clarification.

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the candidate was eventually allowed to enter the centre and appear for the re-examination.

The NEET-UG re-exam was conducted nationwide following the cancellation of the May 3 examination due to a paper leak. Enhanced security and surveillance measures were implemented for the re-test to ensure its smooth conduct.

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the issue arose due to a lack of clarity over certain rules and was resolved after senior officials provided clarification.