Muzaffarpur: A set of stringent exam-day regulations, including a ban on mehndi (henna), nail polish, and certain clothing items, has triggered concern among women candidates appearing for a teacher competency test in Muzaffarpur later this week.
The computer-based examination, scheduled from July 23 to 25, will be held across three centres in the district. Jointly organised by the district administration and police for local body-appointed teachers, the test will take place in two shifts on the first two days and a single shift on the third.
According to the official directive, candidates will not be permitted entry if they are wearing shoes, socks, or full-sleeved shirts. Importantly, the order also prohibits the use of mehndi, nail polish, or ink on fingers, citing security and verification concerns.
This particular restriction has caused dismay among many women candidates, especially those who had applied mehndi during the Sawan festival. Several candidates have said the directive came too late and have appealed for an exemption. “We were not informed in advance. Mehndi is part of our cultural practice during Sawan, and it is difficult to remove it in a day,” one candidate said.
The exam will be held at Adarsh Examination Centre (Bihar School Examination Board regional office), Ayon Digital Kachhipakka, and Ayon Digital Kanti. Entry to the centres will be allowed only after biometric verification. Jammers will be installed at each site to prevent cheating, and a strong security presence will include police officers, magistrates, and flying squads.
Timings for the exam are set from 10am to 12.30pm and 3pm to 5.30pm. Entry windows will open from 8.30am to 9.30am and from 1.30pm to 2.30pm for each shift respectively. Differently-abled candidates will receive an additional 50 minutes to complete the test.
