Patna, A Muslim female student in Patna, Bihar, reported being barred from participating in the University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) for refusing to remove her hijab, sparking a debate on religious freedom and academic regulations.

According to Kashmir Media Service, 24-year-old Uzma Yusuf arrived at the UNO Private Limited examination center in Patna prepared to take the UGC-NET, a test crucial for academic careers in India. Yusuf, following the guidelines provided by the UGC, said she faced unexpected opposition from the examination supervisors and teachers, who insisted she remove her hijab before being allowed to sit for the exam.

Yusuf recounted her experience to the media, emphasizing that she had diligently checked the UGC’s website and her admit card for any dress code instructions. She noted that while the guidelines called for early arrival of those wearing religious markers or attire for thorough screening, there was no explicit prohibition against wearing a hijab during the examination.

Despite arriving early and passing a detailed check by a female guard, Yusuf faced a hurdle inside the examination hall. A male instructor, identified as a senior official from the National Testing Agency, demanded she remove her hijab. Yusuf’s attempts to reason with the official, including citing examples of acceptable hijab use in passport offices, were unsuccessful.

Yusuf expressed her distress over being forced to choose between her religious beliefs and her academic aspirations, ultimately choosing to uphold her faith, despite the potential academic repercussions.

The UGC-NET, conducted jointly by the University Grants Commission and the National Testing Agency, is a vital test for determining eligibility for appointments as Junior Research Fellows and Lecturers in Indian colleges and universities. Yusuf’s experience raises significant questions about religious accommodations in academic settings and the balance between institutional regulations and individual rights.