Hijab not allowed during II PUC exams, says K’taka Minister

The intersection of constitutional rights and institutional discipline has once again taken center stage in Karnataka as the state prepares for its high-stakes II Pre-University Course (PUC) examinations. In a move that reaffirms a contentious 2022 directive, the Ministry of School Education and Literacy has clarified that students wearing the hijab will not be permitted to enter examination halls, emphasizing that adherence to the prescribed uniform is mandatory for all candidates.

This policy, which has sparked intense debate over the last four years, places academic administration in a delicate balance. While the state argues for “uniformity and secularism” within educational spaces, critics point to the potential marginalization of female students who may feel forced to choose between their faith and their right to education. As the 2026 exam cycle approaches, the government has signaled that no exceptions will be made, mirroring the rigid enforcement seen in previous academic years.

The Legal Landscape: From High Court to Supreme Court

The foundation of the current ban rests on the Karnataka High Court’s landmark judgment, which dismissed petitions seeking permission to wear the hijab in classrooms. The court famously noted that the practice does not constitute an “essential religious practice” in Islam. However, the legal journey did not end there. A subsequent appeal to the Supreme Court resulted in a split verdict in late 2022, effectively maintaining the status quo of the ban while the matter was referred to a larger bench.

As of early 2026, the Supreme Court’s Constitutional Bench decision remains one of the most anticipated legal outcomes in India’s recent history. In the interim, the state has utilized its executive powers to ensure that “uniformity of attire” remains the standard. This situation mirrors other instances of regional administrative friction, such as when the Kerala Health Minister navigated complex data-sharing protocols with the Central government, highlighting the ongoing tension between state-level directives and broader national frameworks.

Socio-Economic Impacts and Enrollment Trends

Analytical data emerging from the 2024-2025 academic cycles suggests a shift in enrollment patterns. While initial fears suggested a massive dropout rate among minority female students, many have transitioned to private institutions or open schooling systems where dress codes are more flexible. Policy analysts argue that while the state focuses on “uniformity,” the long-term impact on the socio-economic integration of minorities—similar to how different states prioritize specific economic drivers like startups—must be scrutinized to prevent an educational divide.

Furthermore, the 2026 exam guidelines contrast sharply with national-level entrance tests like NEET and JEE. While national testing agencies implement rigorous security checks, they often allow religious attire provided candidates undergo extensive frisking. This discrepancy has led to calls for a synchronized national policy on exam dress codes to avoid confusion among students moving between state and central boards.

Security and Surveillance Measures

To prevent the resurfacing of the 2022 unrest, the Department of Pre-University Education has requested high-level police “bandobast” at all 1,120 examination centers. According to official reports, supervisors are only permitted to carry basic mobile handsets without cameras, and a 200-meter prohibited zone will be strictly enforced around the venues. These measures aim to ensure that the 3,40,000+ girls and 3,70,000+ boys appearing for the exams can do so in a “distraction-free” environment.

“The goal is not to exclude, but to ensure that the examination hall remains a space of absolute academic neutrality. The rules were established by the courts and upheld by the state to maintain a standard of discipline that applies to every student equally.”

For those seeking the full text of the original 2022 judicial findings that continue to govern today’s policies, the Karnataka High Court’s official repository provides the detailed breakdown of the “Essential Religious Practice” test applied to the case. As the first bell rings this April, the eyes of the nation will once again be on Karnataka, watching as a new generation of students navigates the complex intersection of faith, law, and their future careers.