NEET Row Explodes: Girl Asked to Remove ‘Tulsi Mala’ at Exam Centre, NTA Calls It ‘Unacceptable’

A controversy has erupted around the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) 2026 after a candidate in Surat was allegedly asked to remove her ‘Tulsi Kanthi mala’—a sacred religious necklace—before entering the examination hall. The incident, captured in a viral video, has prompted the National Testing Agency (NTA) to order a probe, calling the act “wrong” and “unacceptable.”

The episode reportedly took place at an exam centre in Amroli, where the girl was stopped during frisking and instructed to remove the religious item. In the video circulating online, the candidate’s father is seen questioning authorities over what he described as a violation of both fairness and religious freedom. The situation was later resolved after intervention, with the student eventually being allowed to appear for the exam while wearing the mala.

Reacting to the incident, a senior NTA official said clear instructions had already been issued allowing candidates to wear articles of faith. “This is unacceptable. Religious symbols should not be removed. We will enquire into the matter and take appropriate action,” the official stated, adding that a detailed report will be prepared after reviewing inputs from the ground.

The controversy gains significance in light of NTA’s official guidelines issued on April 30, which explicitly permit candidates to wear religious items, provided they report early at the examination centre for proper security checks. The guidelines were meant to balance exam integrity with respect for individual beliefs—making the Surat incident a clear deviation from protocol.

NEET-UG 2026, conducted in pen-and-paper mode on May 3, saw a massive turnout, with over 22.05 lakh candidates appearing out of 22.75 lakh registered aspirants, marking an attendance rate of 96.92%. As one of India’s most competitive entrance exams for undergraduate medical courses, NEET operates under strict security measures, including frisking and dress code regulations to prevent malpractice.

However, the latest incident has once again highlighted the delicate balance between enforcing uniform exam rules and respecting cultural and religious identities. While security checks are essential, experts argue that inconsistent implementation of guidelines can lead to confusion, distress, and allegations of discrimination.

Education observers note that such incidents are not isolated. Over the years, similar controversies—ranging from dress code disputes to restrictions on religious attire—have surfaced during national-level examinations. Each case raises broader questions about standardisation, training of on-ground staff, and sensitivity in handling diverse student backgrounds.

For the student involved, what should have been a high-stakes academic moment turned into an emotional ordeal. For authorities, it now becomes a test of accountability.

As the NTA proceeds with its inquiry, the outcome is likely to set a precedent—not just for disciplinary action, but for how examination bodies ensure that rules are applied with both consistency and compassion.