Karnataka bans head coverings and gadgets for upcoming recruitment exams

The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) on November 15 announced a prohibition on the use of head covers and electronic gadgets during the upcoming recruitment exams scheduled for November 18 and 19 in the state.

While the directive did not explicitly mention the hijab, it explicitly stated that wearing "any garment or cap that covers head, mouth, or ears" would be disallowed within the examination hall. Previously, women donning hijabs underwent thorough checks upon arriving at the exam centers.

Additionally, the authority specified that no electronic devices, such as phones and Bluetooth earphones, would be permitted inside the examination hall. However, female candidates were granted permission to wear "mangalsutra" and toe rings during the examination. These measures are implemented to ensure fair and standardized conduct of the recruitment exams across various boards and corporations in Karnataka.

The previous BJP government in Karnataka had banned students from wearing hijabs to government schools in 2022. The matter was taken to court and the ban was upheld by the Karnataka High Court in March 2022.

It suggested that wearing hijabs can be restricted by the government colleges where uniforms are prescribed. The court also ruled that the “prescription of a school uniform” is a “reasonable restriction” that is “constitutionally permissible”.