No bar on wearing customary dress during AIPMT re-test: CBSE

New Delhi, July 23: In view of opposition from some minority groups, CBSE today allowed some flexibility in the dress code for the AIPMT re-test on July 25, stating there is "no bar" on wearing customary dress and for candidates who are appearing in centres in extreme climatic conditions.

However, such candidates should ensure their presence for frisking at least half an hour before the last reporting time of 9.30 am, it said in a statement today.

In a communication on July 9, CBSE had asked students appearing for the AIPMT re-test on July 25 to come in light clothes without big buttons and in open slippers only as it has barred rings, bracelet, ear rings, nose pins, pendants and even watches at the examination centres.

The barred items also include mobile phones, bluetooth, earphones, hair band, belts, cap and scarp. Some minority groups had objected to the dress code saying, barring head scarves would affect several Muslim female students who wear a hijab.

The Kerala High Court had yesterday granted conditional permission to two Muslim girls to appear for the test wearing hijab, a customary religious dress but said that the students shall appear before women invigilators half-an-hour before the examination.

In its statement today, CBSE said the dress code mentioned in its notification is advisory as it may delay entry in examination centres and cause inconvenience to the candidates during frisking by metal detectors.

It also said that students should carry only the admit card, photograph and no other materials.

The decision to re-conduct the examination came after the Supreme Court directed it re-conduct of the test following allegations of large-scale irregularities in the examination held on May 3.

Nearly 6.3 lakh candidates had registered for AIPMT, 2015.

PTI