CBSE dress code for AIPMT exam irks Muslim groups

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)’s recent rule barring headscarves from the All-India Pre-Medical Test (AIPMT) has come in for opposition from an umbrella body of Indian Muslim organizations, the All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat. The Hindustan Times has reported that the decision has affected several Muslim female students who wear a hijab and feel it culturally unacceptable to go out in public in a different attire. [caption id=“attachment_2341522” align=“alignleft” width=“380” class=" “]  Representational photo. Image courtesy- AFP[/caption] This year, the CBSE has introduced a dress code for candidates for the first for the AIPMT examination, scheduled to be held on 25 July. The objective of the new regulation is to prevent candidates from hiding devices like phones or written notes in their clothing. The board has claimed that it does not refer to a religious headscarf in its guidelines. The All-India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushwarat is not convinced by the board’s stand. The HT report quotes the general secretary of the organization as saying that the rule is a violation of religious freedom, and that several Muslim girls may decide not to appear for the examination because of the rule. The CBSE appears to be taking extra precautions after it had to hold the AIPMT again after allegations of widespread malpractices. It has told students to wear “light clothes” to the exam centre with half sleeves, and has also asked them to wear open footwear and not shoes. According to this Hindustan Times report, some students had bluetooth devices and SIM cards stitched on to their shirts during the exam which was cancelled. On 16 June, the Supreme Court cancelled the AIPMT examination, after coming to a conclusion that a large number of students cheated the exam. The students are said to have used gadgets which they smuggled into examination rooms. The examination was initially held on 3 May, in which more than 6.3 lakh students appeared. After the apex court’s order, the examination will be held on 25 July.