Karnataka is once again facing controversy over exam dress code rules, this time involving the sacred thread known as janivara, worn by some Hindu students.
On the first day of the Common Entrance Test (CET), three students in Koramangala were reportedly asked by college staff to remove their janivara before entering the examination hall. The incident has sparked public debate because the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) had already issued clear guidelines stating that students should not be forced to remove religious symbols during exams.
According to reports, the students and their families were upset by the action, saying it hurt their religious beliefs. The matter has raised questions about whether exam officials properly followed the instructions provided by authorities.
This latest issue comes after Karnataka’s earlier major controversy over the hijab ban in educational institutions. In the hijab case, Muslim students fought a long legal battle over their right to wear religious attire in schools and colleges. That issue received national attention and led to major political and social discussions.
The janivara controversy has once again brought focus to how educational institutions in Karnataka handle religious identity and dress code policies. Many people are now comparing the different approaches taken in the hijab and janivara cases.
These incidents show the continuing challenge of balancing religious freedom with institutional rules in schools and examination centers. The controversy has also renewed calls for clearer and fairer implementation of policies that respect all communities equally.