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Reports from the NEET 2024 and recent exam cycles highlight a growing controversy regarding dress code enforcement. In Surat, a Hindu candidate was allegedly forced to remove her sacred Tulsi mala, sparking a heated protest from her father. The incident has raised significant questions about religious equality and the consistency of NTA’s frisking protocols across different faiths.
Hindu Candidate Was Forced to Remove Her Kanthi (Tulsi) Mala During NEET Exam in Surat
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is often recognized for its stringent security measures and rigid dress code. However, the 2024-2026 examination cycles have seen a surge in public outcry following reports of selective enforcement. Most notably, a Hindu candidate was forced to remove her Kanthi (Tulsi) mala during NEET exam in Surat, an incident that has triggered a national conversation regarding religious freedom and administrative consistency at testing centers.
The Surat Incident: A Father’s Protest
In Surat, Gujarat, the atmosphere at a NEET examination center turned tense when security personnel instructed a young female candidate to remove her Tulsi mala (sacred beads) before entering the hall. The girl’s father immediately intervened, staging a courageous protest against the authorities.
The father’s statement, which quickly went viral on social media, highlighted a perceived double standard. He questioned why his daughter was being targeted in her own country, stating, “I am the son of a Hindu and I am standing in Surat, not in Lahore or Karachi.” His primary grievance centered on the fact that while sacred Hindu threads and beads were being confiscated or cut, other religious attires remained permissible under specific guidelines.
Disparity in Dress Code Enforcement
The controversy is not limited to a single city. Reports indicate a stark contrast in how rules are applied across various states. While the Hindu candidate was forced to remove her Kanthi (Tulsi) mala during NEET exam in Surat, reports from Barmer, Rajasthan, indicated that candidates wearing burqas were subjected to checking but were ultimately allowed to wear the garment into the exam hall.
This perceived imbalance has led to several points of contention among parents and students:
- The Cutting of Kalava: In multiple instances, female students reported the “trauma” of having their ‘Kalava’ (sacred red thread) cut from their wrists by exam staff using scissors.
- Physical Alterations: Some reports surfaced of officials removing or cutting pocket zips from the trousers of Hindu students to comply with “no metal” rules, while larger garments remained largely un-altered.
- Security Concerns: Critics argue that if the goal of the National Testing Agency (NTA) is to prevent cheating, the scrutiny should be uniform.
The NTA Guidelines vs. Ground Reality
The NTA dress code generally prohibits ornaments, metallic items, and heavy clothing. However, it does allow for “cultural or customary dress” provided the candidate reports to the center early for thorough frisking.
The core of the current backlash is the allegation that “customary dress” provisions are being applied to some religions while “sacred ornaments” like the Tulsi mala or Kalava—which hold immense spiritual significance for Hindus—are treated as prohibited jewelry.
Public Sentiment and “Hindu Rashtra”
The incident in Gujarat has been particularly polarizing given the state’s political climate. Many observers noted the irony of such restrictions occurring in a region where the BJP has held power for decades. Social media users have questioned the validity of a “Hindu Rashtra” (Hindu Nation) if basic religious symbols like the Tulsi mala are subjected to such scrutiny at the gates of a national exam.
As the #NEET2026 discussions begin to trend, the demand for a uniform policy is growing louder. Parents are calling on the NTA to either ban all religious attire—including the Hijab and Burqa—or to explicitly permit and respect Hindu sacred threads and malas to ensure true equality under the law.
FAQs on Hindu Candidate Was Forced to Remove Her Kanthi (Tulsi) Mala During NEET Exam
Q1: What is the NTA’s official policy on religious attire?
The NTA allows students to wear “customary or cultural dress” (like the Hijab or Kirpan) if they opt for it during the application process and arrive at the center at least an hour early for specialized frisking.
Q2: Why was the Tulsi mala removed in the Surat incident?
Exam authorities often categorize necklaces or beads as “ornaments,” which are strictly prohibited under the NEET dress code to prevent the concealment of communication devices.
Q3: Can students wear a Kalava (sacred thread) during NEET?
In many centers, any thread on the wrist is considered a violation of the “no accessories” rule and is frequently cut by invigilators before entry.
Disclaimer
This article is a report based on provided accounts and social media testimonials regarding the NEET examination proceedings. It is intended for informational purposes only. The views expressed by individuals in the report do not reflect the official stance of this publication.
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