Priyank Kharge sets police exam dress rules: No hijab, no head coverings; religious symbols allowed

Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru Bengaluru, Aug 2: Candidates appearing for the Karnataka police constable written examination on August 2 will not be allowed to wear hijabs or clothing covering the head, face or ears, but they will not be forced to remove permitted religious and traditional symbols such as janiwara, Shiva thread, mangalasutra or other customary ornaments, Home Minister Priyank Kharge and KEA officials have clarified. Amid confusion over religious attire and examination dress rules, Kharge said the government has issued clear instructions in advance to prevent disputes at examination centres. He said candidates will be informed through their admit cards about what attire and personal items are permitted and what are prohibited. “Details about what clothes can be worn and what cannot be worn during the examination will be mentioned in the admit cards. Hence, there will be no scope for confusion near the examination halls,” Kharge said. He specifically clarified that hijab will not be permitted during the police constable written examination, while adding that guidelines regarding religious and traditional items have been prepared to avoid last-minute controversies. The instructions also state that candidates wearing janiwara (sacred thread), Shiva thread, waist thread, mangalasutra, nose ring, kumkuma, rings and amulets should not be forced to remove them. KEA executive director Prasanna H said examination staff have been strictly instructed not to compel candidates to remove religious or traditional articles, including bangles, toe rings, sindoor or stickers, religious threads tied on the wrist and anklets. The clarification comes after controversy during a previous KEA examination over religious symbols, including disputes related to the wearing of janiwara. Authorities have now issued detailed directions to ensure such issues do not disrupt the examination process. The Karnataka government is preparing extensively for the police constable recruitment examination scheduled across the state on August 2. Home Minister Priyank Kharge is personally monitoring arrangements to ensure the test is conducted smoothly and transparently. The measures come amid increased public concern over examination security following protests by students across the country demanding reforms in the education and examination system after the NEET question paper leak controversy. Kharge said examination rooms will be sanitised 24 hours before the test and staff deployed inside examination halls will not be allowed to use mobile phones. The government will also keep a close watch on private coaching centres to prevent malpractice. Candidates will be permitted to arrive two-and-a-half hours before the examination to complete verification and security checks. KEA has also issued a detailed dress code for candidates appearing for the examination. Apart from the restrictions on head and face coverings, candidates will not be allowed to wear shoes, caps or any clothing covering the ears, head or face. Jeans with multiple pockets have also been prohibited. Items banned inside examination halls include food items, water bottles, beverages, chits or paper slips, books, pencil boxes, plastic pouches, scales, notepads and erasers. Meanwhile, the Karnataka Police Department has warned that cases will be registered against individuals spreading false information on social media, including fake claims of question paper leaks. Authorities said social media platforms are being closely monitored and those posting misleading information could face serious legal action under the law. With detailed guidelines issued ahead of the examination, officials are aiming to conduct the police constable recruitment test without confusion while maintaining security, fairness and transparency across Karnataka.