MSCE Allows Hijab, Burka, Dupatta for Maharashtra TET But ‘Nothing Above the Neck’ in Exam Hall.

Mumbai, June 26, 2026:-

‘Faith vs Exam’: MSCE Permits Burka, Dupatta for TET on June 28, Bans Face/Head Covering Inside Hall.

What MSCE Clarified.

The Maharashtra State Council of Examination (MSCE) said female candidates can wear hijab, burka, or dupatta for the Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) scheduled for June 28, 2026.

But there’s a condition: no clothing will be allowed above the neck inside the examination hall. Candidates must keep their head, ears, and neck completely uncovered during the test. 

MSCE President Nandkumar Bedse said the rule ensures “faces of all 600,000 candidates are clearly visible on live CCTV during the exam” to prevent malpractice via AI, Bluetooth, or hidden cameras. 

Why the Change? Earlier Ban Sparked Protests.

Initial instructions had barred hijab, burka, mask, or cap during TET. After objections, female candidates and groups like Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO) Maharashtra made representations to MSCE. 

SIO called the new “above the neck” rule “unwarranted” and said it “defeats the purpose of the hijab”, forcing candidates into an “impossible choice between their faith and a crucial exam.”

SIO State Secretary Mohammad Owais Siddiqui noted that NEET, JEE, MHT-CET allow religious attire with frisking by female staff. MSCE rejected SIO’s compromise to let candidates “loosely drape hijabs over their heads”during the test. 

 MSCE’s Reasoning: Court Order + Other Exams.

MSCE cited a 2024 Bombay High Court ruling in Zainab Abdul Qayyum Choudhary vs Chembur Trombay Education Society, which upheld a college dress code and said hijab/naqab is not an essential religious practice.

Bedse added that UPSC, SSC, IBPS, SBI, RRB, MPSC, GPSC, BPSC have similar restrictions against face-covering attire. 

 Other Exam Rules for TET.

No shoes or socks allowed inside the hall.

 Carry only: black/blue ballpoint pen, ID proof + photocopy, clear water bottle

 Background: Hijab Debate in Maharashtra Exams.

In Jan 2025, BJP minister Nitesh Rane had sought a burqa ban for Class 10 & 12 board exams, citing cheating and security risks. School Education Minister Dada Bhuse responded: 

“Copy-free exams to be held whether students wear burqa or not.”

The hijab issue has seen litigation. In Aug 2024, the Supreme Court stayed a Mumbai college’s hijab ban, asking“Will you ban students from wearing a bindi or a tilak?”

MSCE has softened its stance for TET  hijab/burka/dupatta are now allowed to the exam center. But inside, the face, head, ears, and neck must remain visible for CCTV monitoring. Student groups say that still violates religious freedom, while MSCE says it’s about exam integrity. The TET is on June 28 for 6 lakh candidates.