Decision exposes double standards in exam regulations following earlier incident where mangalsutra was disallowed
The Board’s decision to accommodate the burqa, citing respect for religious sentiments, while enforcing the removal of the mangalsutra during the recent CTET exams, exposes the unacceptable double standards and selective secularism in administrative policy. – Editor, HJS
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra – Muslim girl students have been permitted to appear for the Class 10 (SSC) and Class 12 (HSC) board examinations scheduled to be held in February–March 2026 while wearing a burqa. The directive has been issued by the Maharashtra State Board authorities under the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar division.
According to the directive, appropriate security and verification procedures may be carried out at examination centres. Where required, checking of students wearing a burqa will be conducted exclusively by female staff members to ensure both security and respect for religious sentiments.
The order applies to examination centres under the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar division, including the districts of Jalna, Beed, Parbhani and Hingoli.
If burqa is “cultural freedom,” why isn’t mangalsutra? Stop double standards in exam halls.
🚫Ban Burqa In Exams !!!
#BurqaAllowed_MangalsutraNot pic.twitter.com/EUutJ8octh
— HinduJagrutiOrg (@HinduJagrutiOrg) February 16, 2026
The decision has reportedly been taken in the context of existing regulations and representations submitted by various organisations. The board stated that its objective is to ensure that all students are able to sit their examinations in a peaceful environment, without mental stress or obstruction, while observing their cultural practices.
This is in stark contrast to an earlier incident on 8 February during the CTET examination, when Hindu women were asked to remove their mangalsutras. This caused outrage amongst Hindus who demanded strict action against the officials concerned.
