In Bengaluru, several Brahmin students were reportedly forced to remove their sacred thread (Janeu, or Yagyopaveetha) before the Common Entrance Test (CET) exam at the Krupanidhi College in Madiwala. After some students narrated the incident to their parents and the media, a huge controversy has erupted.
One student, speaking to ANI, stated that he arrived at around 9:40 AM, only to be denied entry unless the Janeu was removed. Nearly seven students reportedly faced the same demand, leaving them distressed and unable to focus during the crucial exam that they needed to undertake to gain entry into professional courses. The student stated that in the test, they have to answer 60 questions in 60 minutes. The forceful removal of his sacred thread caused him distress and grief.
Parents of the students have filed complaints, prompting police to register an FIR under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections related to disturbing communal harmony. Three staff members involved in examination duties have been suspended pending an inquiry. The Karnataka government has ordered a probe into the incident.
Last year too, similar incidents were reported from Shivamogga and Bidar, after which the government had issued clear instructions that students won’t be asked to remove their sacred thread (which is worn inside the clothing) to appear for exams.
The BJP has criticised the Congress-led Karnataka government, terming the episode anti-Hindu and a violation of the rights of the students.
#WATCH | Bengaluru | A student who appeared for the CET examination at the center in Krupanidhi College, Madivala, Bengaluru, says, "I went to the center around 9.40 am. I kept the bag in the room and they didn't allow me because they saw my 'Janeu'. They started telling that you… https://t.co/5fxFsa8btY pic.twitter.com/2I36COrm7k
— ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2026
Minister MC Sudhakar acknowledged the incident and stated that the Karnataka government had already given clear instructions that students should not be made to remove Janeus.
“During the CET exam, a few boys were asked to remove their sacred thread. Officials called this deeply troubling, noting similar incidents last year that had already drawn statewide attention and strict instructions. Despite clear guidelines and special officers deployed to oversee dress codes, the issue has repeated, raising doubts about whether it was intentional. The government described the act as a violation of human rights and privacy, stressing that no student should be forced to choose between faith and education. A complaint has been directed to be filed against the exam centre management, and the Deputy Commissioner has been asked to take action. Authorities are also examining legal provisions to ensure stricter enforcement so that such incidents do not repeat in future examinations”, Minister MC Sudhakar stated to media.
Students stated that there are clear guidelines that metal objects like chains and bracelets are not allowed, but there are no rules that Janeus should be removed. BJP MP Tejasvi Surya has condemned the incident, asking what harm a sacred thread can cause.
