Candidates of the repeat All India Pre-Medical Test (AIPMT) to be held on July 25 have been barred from wearing anything except a half-sleeve t-shirt or kurta, trousers and flip-flops. Even religious charms and 'magic' amulets can't be worn.
Examinees would be checked for just about every accessory: from nose rings and ear-rings to bracelets, chains, necklaces, brooches and pendants - each of these would be removed if found person. Worse, they can't even wear shoes, leave aside clothing with large buttons and badges. So too are belts, a vital accessory for some men, as well as scarves and caps of all kinds.
Of all the accoutrements proscribed, the bar on lucky charms may prove hugely controversial.
Even the garments have to be "light-coloured". The 'dressing down' seems draconian but the board believes these unprecedented steps are necessary to thwart the menace of unfair practices at exams.