KCET dress code row: Karnataka govt mulls re-exam over Janivara, Hijab issue

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, May 1, 2026: Higher Education Minister Dr M C Sudhakar on Thursday said the Karnataka government is considering allowing students to reappear for the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) after reports that some were asked to remove the sacred thread (Janivara) and Hijab during the exam.

Addressing reporters, the minister said dress code violations were reported at three exam centres, and in one instance, a student who was asked to remove her Hijab was unable to write the exam.

“Despite clear instructions and prior training for staff, including allowing students with religious attire to arrive two hours early for verification, norms were violated at three centres — Krupanidhi College in Bengaluru, Nagarjuna College, and BGS College in Chikkaballapur. Students were forced to remove the sacred thread and Hijab,” he said.

He noted that a similar issue arose last year, when students were offered a chance to retake the exam, but they declined. “Granting grace marks is not an option as it could lead to legal complications. However, if students are willing, we will consider conducting a re-examination,” he added.

The minister termed the incidents as “intentional acts” by certain staff members. “We are reviewing the report submitted by the committee formed by the Deputy Commissioner of Bengaluru Urban district. Stricter measures will be implemented from next year,” he said.