The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) has asked the Ministry of Education to issue guidelines so that Sikh candidates appearing for JEE Main 2025 are allowed to wear their religious articles of faith, such as Kara (iron bangle) and Kirpan (ceremonial dagger), during the examination. The JEE Main 2025 Session 2 exam is scheduled to be conducted from April 1 to April 8, 2025.
Religious Freedom and Constitutional Rights
On its plea, the NCM was of the view that Sikh candidates be allowed to practice their religion without hindrance when these exams are being undertaken. The commission cited Article 25 of the Indian Constitution that provided every citizen with the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate his religion. Relating to Sikhs, according to religion, the Kirpan was an inherent right not alienable from them.
On reference to the Delhi High Court
This again is a mention of a judgement by the 2022 Delhi High Court decision that allowed the Sikh candidates giving the DSSSB exams for the Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board to appear with the Kara and Kirpan. The Delhi High Court accepted the case made by the Sikh candidates, keeping in mind their religious symbols being essential to the candidates and appearing during the tests under controlled environments.
JEE Main 2025: Easing of Sikh Dress Code Rule
The standard dress code for JEE Main exams has guidelines that limit items that can be used to gain unfair advantage. However, the NCM has asked the Ministry of Education to introduce special provisions for Sikh candidates so that their religious rights are respected and security protocols maintained.
The key points raised by the NCM are as follows:
| Concern | NCM's Request |
| Religious Freedom | Sikh candidates should be allowed to wear the Kara and Kirpan in exams. |
| Constitutional Rights | Article 25 ensures the right to practice and profess one's religion. |
| Legal Precedent | Delhi High Court's 2022 ruling permits Sikh candidates to wear religious articles during DSSSB exams. |
| JEE Main 2025 Implementation | The Education Ministry should issue guidelines allowing Sikh candidates to wear these articles while ensuring security measures |
NCM's Appeal to Education Ministry
The NCM has formally sought a clarification from the Education Ministry that clear guidelines should be issued so that Sikh candidates do not face any hassle in JEE Main 2025. The commission emphasized that examinations should not be a hurdle to religious expression and urged the authorities to allow religious requirements without compromising the examination.
The Education Ministry is likely to scrutinize the demand and make a formal declaration before the JEE Main 2025 session 2 exams.
