Over 92,000 students sit exams peacefully across 118 centres in Varanasi, Muslim girls say they were asked to remove hijab at the entrance
VARANASI — The first day of the Uttar Pradesh Board examinations in Varanasi passed without any major disruption, but reports from several centres have sparked debate after Muslim girls said they were allowed entry only after removing their hijab.
Across Uttar Pradesh, High School and Intermediate examinations began on Wednesday at 8,033 centres. According to official figures, 53,37,778 students are registered this year — 27,61,696 in Class 10 and 25,76,082 in Class 12.
In Varanasi district alone, 118 examination centres have been set up, where more than 92,000 students are appearing for the exams. On the first day, High School students sat for the Hindi paper.
Warm Welcome
At several centres, including PM Shri Government Girls’ Inter College, students were welcomed with tilak on the forehead and flower petals. Parents and students described the atmosphere as positive and encouraging.
A parent present outside one centre said, “It felt good to see children being welcomed with respect and blessings. It reduces exam fear.”
Officials stated that the examinations began peacefully and that there were no major complaints regarding law and order.
Hijab Removal
However, some Muslim students and their families have alleged that girls wearing hijab were not allowed to enter examination halls.
A Class 12 student said, “I was stopped at the gate and told to remove my hijab before entering. I was nervous because the exam was about to start. I did not want to argue and lose time.”
Another parent said, “Our daughters came prepared for the exam. They were not carrying any unfair material. Asking them to remove their hijab in public caused embarrassment.”
The administration has stated that uniform security rules were applied to all students to maintain fairness and prevent cheating.
An official associated with the examination process said, “The same rules apply to everyone. No candidate is allowed to carry any item that could compromise exam integrity. Security checks are mandatory.”
Security Arrangements
The Uttar Pradesh Secondary Education Board has put in place strict arrangements to conduct what it describes as fair and transparent examinations.
CCTV cameras have been installed at all centres. Strong rooms are under 24-hour surveillance. A central control room at the Board headquarters in Prayagraj is monitoring the examination process across districts.
Sensitive centres have been given additional security cover. Teams from the Special Task Force (STF) and Local Intelligence Unit (LIU) are also active to prevent any attempt at malpractice.
Officials have issued clear instructions that strict action will be taken against anyone found using unfair means.
Despite the official position, some members of the Muslim community have raised concerns about equal treatment.
A local community representative said, “If the rule is about checking for unfair material, then it should be done respectfully and uniformly. Welcoming some students with rituals and asking others to remove religious attire sends a mixed message.”
Another resident said, “Exams are about education and opportunity. All students should feel safe and respected.”
Legal observers note that issues concerning dress and religious symbols in educational settings have led to debates in different parts of the country in recent years.
According to district officials, the first day of examinations concluded smoothly, and no major irregularities were reported.
An officer said, “The focus is on conducting exams peacefully and fairly. We appeal to students and parents not to be misled by rumours.”
Board examinations will continue in the coming days as scheduled.
For many families, the larger concern is clarity. As one parent put it, “Children are already under pressure during exams. Rules should be clear, consistent and applied in a way that does not make any student feel singled out.”
The situation in Varanasi has added a fresh layer to ongoing discussions about security, equality and religious expression in public institutions.
