Overview

• The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has enforced a ban on religious symbols, including mangalsutra and janivara, in its Nursing Superintendent exam scheduled from April 28–30, 2025.
• The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the ban, citing harm to Hindu religious sentiments and freedoms.
• The controversy follows similar complaints during Karnataka’s Common Entrance Test (CET), where candidates alleged forced removal of sacred threads.
• The RRB defends the guidelines as anti-malpractice measures, which also include biometric verification and bans on electronic devices and personal items.
• Authorities are reviewing appeals against the policy as protests by Hindu organizations escalate, with no immediate policy reversal announced.