The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) has barred candidates appearing for recruitment exams for boards and corporations from wearing any form of head covers as it aims to crack down on malpractices during examinations. The directive is aimed at checking the use of unfair means including Bluetooth devices during the exams, it said.
The authority, however, has allowed mangalsutras and toe rings following protests by Hindu right-wing groups.
Karnataka saw a huge row after following the ban on hijab at higher education institutions last year. While the recent order by the KEA does not specifically mention hijab, the ban on head cover will cover hijab as well.
The examinations for recruitment to various boards and corporations are scheduled to be held on November 18 and 19. As per the order by KEA, wearing “any garment or cap that covers head, mouth or ears” will not be allowed in the exam hall.
Notably, candidates were allowed to write their exams wearing a hijab last year by the KEA.