A recent incident at the Common Entrance Test (CET) centre in Madiwala, Bengaluru, Karnataka, has ignited controversy after officials allegedly insisted that students remove their sacred threads (Janeu) before entering the examination hall. This enforcement has led to protests from parents, who argue that it is an insult to their religion and jeopardizes their children's academic futures. One parent expressed their frustration, stating, 'We explained it to the officials, but they insisted.' Reports indicate that over five students were asked to remove their sacred threads, with one student, Anand Sudhir Rao, being told to 'go back home' if he refused to comply. In response to the protests, officials from the Education Department and CET cell visited the scene to pacify the parents and collected written statements, which parents alleged was an attempt to prevent further escalation. This incident mirrors a similar controversy in 2025, where students were also forced to remove their sacred threads, leading to significant outrage and action from the state government. The strict enforcement of dress code rules has also caused confusion at other examination centres across Karnataka, with reports of students being asked to remove metal ornaments and other religious items. Officials defended these measures as part of standard security protocols.