NEET 2025 Row: Sikh Candidates Forced to Remove Headscarves Sparks Outrage

Allegations that Sikh candidates were forced to remove their headscarves during NEET 2025 in Punjab have stirred community outrage. Religious groups and activists are demanding strict policy reforms and culturally sensitive exam guidelines to prevent future violations of religious freedom.

The NEET 2025 examination in Punjab has become the centre of a major controversy after several Sikh candidates alleged they were forced to remove their headscarves at the examination centres. The incident reportedly occurred in multiple exam locations, leaving candidates and their families shocked, humiliated, and disheartened. These allegations have sparked widespread outrage from religious groups and human rights activists, calling for urgent reforms in the NEET 2025 dress code policy.

The National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts NEET, has previously assured candidates of religious freedom regarding attire, as long as students report early for verification. However, the implementation at ground level seems to have lacked sensitivity and consistency.

𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗰𝗿𝘆

Religious leaders and Sikh bodies condemned the incident, calling it a violation of basic rights

Protests were held in several areas of Punjab, demanding accountability

Social media campaigns gained momentum under hashtags demanding justice

Students reported emotional distress and loss of focus during the exam due to the incident

Calls for an independent inquiry into the incident have intensified

𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗘𝗘𝗧 𝗘𝘅𝗮𝗺 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀

Activists have urged the NTA to revise its dress code guidelines

Advocates suggest pre-verification or frisking with female staff as a respectful alternative

Education experts stress the need for training invigilators in cultural sensitivity

Policy clarity must be communicated effectively to centre officials beforehand

Legal experts point out the constitutional rights at stake, especially under Article 25

𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

Students involved fear this may impact their exam scores and ranking

Parents demand retest or counselling support for traumatised candidates

This incident may influence future litigation or PILs in the Supreme Court

Experts suggest NTA release an official apology and improved SOPs for NEET 2026

Ongoing scrutiny of the NTA’s policies is likely to continue in upcoming exams

The NEET 2025 headscarf controversy has once again spotlighted the urgent need for inclusive and sensitive exam procedures. Students’ dignity and religious rights must be safeguarded to ensure fair and respectful assessment environments across the nation.