NEET 2017: Exam to start at 10 AM; SGPC objects to strict dress code set for exam by CBSE

The controversy around Central Board of Secondary Education’s strict dress code for the National Eligibility-Cum-Entrance Test has refused to die down even till the day of the test. 

Taking into account the strict dress code and the problems it caused Sikh students last year, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has urged the CBSE to ensure that Sikh students were allowed to appear in NEET exam while supporting the kakars (religious symbols), including 'kirpan' (small sword) and kara (iron bangle).

In a release issued in Amritsar on Friday, SGPC president Kirpal Singh Badungar said that in wake of problems faced by Sikh students during last NEET examination, the committee had written a letter in advance to the CBSE chairman Rakesh Kumar Chaturvedi.

Read | CBSE NEET UG Exam 2017 on May 7: Here is how you can stay stress-free and confident

In its letter, the committee requested the board to issue required instructions to examination centres not to disallow baptized or ‘Amritdhari’ Sikh students supporting their religious symbols from appearing in NEET examination being held on May 7. 

The CBSE chairman has also been told about the significance of religious symbols for Sikhs and that they couldn't be taken off, the release said.

The exam is scheduled to be held on May 7 2017 in 103 cities across India. 

The CBSE will be conducting NEET UG 2017 for the admission to MBBS/BDS courses on May 7. The NEET exam will take place on May 7 from 10 AM to 1 PM. For more updates applicants can check CBSE’s designated website www.cbseneet.nic.in.

Read | NEET Exam 2017: CBSE releases admit card; click here to download it

Dress Code for candidates: 

The CBSE has prescribed a strict dress code for the students taking the exams to avoid rising incidents of cheating and impersonation in NEET exam: 

Males: Light colour clothes limited to trousers, jeans, half sleeves shirts and kurta pyjama. The shirt button should be of medium size only. No shoes, wear only slippers or sandals.  

Females: Light clothes with half sleeves not having big buttons, brooch/badge, flower etc., with salwar/trouser, slippers, sandals with low heels are allowed. No high heels, shoes for the female candidate are also not allowed.

Read | NEET 2017 Exam today: Check dress code, list of permissible items before you leave home