Farheen Khan was pressured and delayed during her NEET exam for wearing a hijab despite following the rules
NEW DELHI/KOLKATA — A disturbing incident has come to light where a Muslim girl faced harassment and discrimination during the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET UG) because of her choice to wear a hijab, highlighting the growing intolerance faced by Muslims in India, especially in official spaces.
Farheen Khan, a student from Beck Bagan in the West Bengal city of Kolkata, was subjected to humiliation and unnecessary delays at the exam centre located at MP Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya in Garden Reach on May 4. Despite following all instructions, Farheen was forced to remove her hijab, causing her to miss more than half of the important medical entrance exam.
In a video shared on social media this week, Farheen detailed the ordeal she faced, which has since sparked widespread debate about religious freedom and discrimination against Muslims in educational institutions.
According to Farheen, the trouble started even before she entered the exam hall. “Some boys outside the building saw me wearing my hijab and began shouting ‘Jai Shri Ram’ at me. I was alone, and it was very upsetting,” she said.
This kind of public abuse, especially when it involves religious slogans like ‘Jai Shri Ram’, is a clear sign of rising religious intolerance targeting Indian Muslims. Such behaviour should not be tolerated anywhere in a country that prides itself on secular values.
Inside the exam centre, the officials caused more distress. Farheen explained, “I had ticked the box on my application form informing that I would be wearing religious attire, the hijab. Also, the NTA instructions say that candidates wearing religious headgear must come an hour early for checks. I arrived two hours early to follow this rule.”
However, the exam centre staff claimed that the rules about wearing hijab changed every year, and pressured Farheen to remove it completely before taking her exam.
“I told them that nothing in the official dress code prohibits the hijab, and that my ears were visible, as required. But they insisted I remove it,” Farheen said. Despite her repeated requests to follow proper procedure, officials refused to provide written proof of the rule and treated her with rudeness.
One senior official, who identified himself as an NTA member, reportedly spoke harshly and told her to leave when she asked for the rules in writing. “He misbehaved with me and asked me to go away,” Farheen added.
Due to the prolonged argument and security checks, which included separate biometric verification, Farheen missed the crucial exam time. She said, “I had to wait in the heat for a long time, while other candidates were already inside. I felt embarrassed and humiliated being taken aside and checked separately.”
Eventually, Farheen was allowed to appear for the exam after agreeing to adjust her hijab so that her ears were visible, as per instructions. Another girl wearing a hijab faced similar delays.
“This delay cost me dearly. I could only complete half of the exam paper. Despite that, I am confident I did well,” Farheen stated.
Farheen has formally complained to the National Testing Agency about the discrimination and harassment she experienced. “I have emailed the NTA and also sent a complaint by Speed Post. I want action against this injustice,” she said.
She also shared how staff kept looking at her suspiciously and whispered during the exam, making her uncomfortable throughout the test.
Farheen’s case is not isolated. Incidents where Muslims face discrimination in education, workplaces, and public spaces are increasingly being reported across India.
Experts say that such harassment damages not only the affected individuals but also the social fabric of the nation.
Legal expert and human rights activist Amina Siddiqui said, “Forcing someone to remove religious attire during an exam, especially when rules allow exceptions, violates fundamental rights. It sends a dangerous message of exclusion to Indian Muslims.”
She urged authorities to ensure fair treatment and respect for religious freedoms.
Farheen Khan’s experience exposes the deep challenges Muslim students face in their pursuit of education and dignity. It is a reminder that religious freedom and equality must be upheld firmly, especially in official and educational environments.
“This incident should be a wake-up call,” said community leader Yusuf Ali. “No student should suffer because of their faith. We must build a society that respects diversity, not one that divides.”
The National Testing Agency has yet to respond to Farheen’s complaint.
