Authorities urged to review new rules for the 28 June exam, saying Muslim women candidates should be allowed after identity verification by female staff
MUMBAI — Fresh guidelines issued for the Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) scheduled for 28 June have sparked concern among Muslim candidates and educational organisations after authorities barred candidates from wearing dupattas, burqas, caps and face masks inside examination centres.
The Maharashtra State Examination Council (MSEC) has introduced the restrictions as part of a wider set of security measures aimed at maintaining transparency and preventing malpractice during the examination.
Under the new rules, candidates will not be permitted to enter examination halls wearing dupattas, burqas, caps or masks. The council has also prohibited mobile phones, pagers, digital watches, pens and other electronic devices inside examination centres.
MSEC Chairman Nandakumar Badse has announced that strict monitoring arrangements will be in place during the examination. CCTV cameras will be installed in classrooms, candidates’ bags will be checked using metal detectors at entry points, biometric verification will be conducted and facial recognition technology will be used to verify identities.
According to the council, only candidates whose facial details match official identification records will be allowed to enter the examination hall.
The decision has drawn criticism from several educational groups, which argue that while examination security is important, the rules should also take into account the religious and cultural practices of Muslim women candidates.
Representatives of educational organisations have suggested that Muslim women should be allowed to wear hijabs, dupattas or burqas after undergoing identity verification by female officials at designated screening points before entering examination centres.
A letter has been submitted to MSEC Commissioner Mahesh Chauthe by the Akhil Bharatiya Urdu Shikshak Sangh, requesting a review of the restrictions.
In the letter, the organisation stated that hijab and dupatta are important parts of the religious beliefs, cultural traditions and personal identity of many Muslim women.
“India’s Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to religious freedom, equality and a life with dignity. Denying Muslim candidates the opportunity to wear hijab or dupatta may affect their religious sentiments and constitutional rights,” the organisation said.
At the same time, the organisation acknowledged the need to maintain examination integrity and security.
“The examination process must remain transparent and secure. However, identity verification, screening and security checks for Muslim women candidates can be carried out separately by female officers or staff members before they enter the examination hall,” the letter stated.
The organisation argued that such an arrangement would protect the credibility of the examination while also respecting the religious beliefs and constitutional rights of candidates.
Candidates appearing for the examination have been instructed to carry one original photo identity document, such as an Aadhaar card, PAN card, driving licence or Voter Identity Card.
The council has maintained that the restrictions are linked to security and identification requirements because all examination centres will be monitored through CCTV surveillance and facial recognition systems.
Educational groups have urged the authorities to reconsider the rules and adopt a system that balances examination security with religious accommodation.
As of now, the Maharashtra State Examination Council has not announced any change in the guidelines, and the examination is expected to proceed under the existing rules.
