Surat NEET Controversy: Security Demands Removal of Sacred Tulsi Mala

 

On Sunday, 3rd May, the conduct of the NEET-UG 2026 examination came under intense scrutiny following reports of alleged religious discrimination at a testing centre in Surat. The incident, which surfaced through social media footage, involved a Hindu candidate being instructed by security personnel to remove her Tulsi Mala (sacred basil beads) before entering the examination hall.

 

The student’s father launched a vocal protest at the gates, highlighting a perceived double standard in the enforcement of the National Testing Agency (NTA) dress code. "I am the son of a Hindu, and I am standing in Surat, not in Lahore or Karachi," he was heard saying in the viral video. He further questioned why the Tulsi Mala, a symbol of divinity for worshippers of Bhagwan Vishnu, was being targeted while other religious garments, such as the hijab or burqa, were permitted.

 

 

 

This incident in Surat is not an isolated complaint. Critics and parents have pointed to a recurring theme where items of faith belonging to Indic religions, Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs, are flagged as security risks

 

Lately, on 30th April, a similar incident occurred in Karnataka where the CET re-test for students was forced to remove the Janivara (sacred thread).