Bidar Student Denied CET Entry Over Sacred Thread Gets Free Engineering Seat

In a move to safeguard the academic future of Suchivrath Kulkarni—who was denied entry to the CET mathematics exam for refusing to remove his janivara (sacred thread)—Minister for Forest, Environment and Ecology Eshwar B. Khandre has announced a free engineering seat for him at Bhimanna Khandre Institute of Technology (BKIT), Bhalki.

Accompanied by Minister Rahim Khan, Khandre, who also serves as the district in-charge minister of Bidar, visited Suchivrath Kulkarni’s residence on Saturday morning to offer moral support to the student and his family.

“No student’s academic future should be jeopardized over such incidents,” Khandre said, confirming that Suchivrath would be offered a free seat at BKIT, Bhalki. He also noted that efforts are underway to allow Suchivrath to take the missed CET exam separately, adding that he has spoken to the Higher Education Minister regarding the matter.

“He can also appear for the COMEDK exam, and full support will be extended if he secures a seat there,” Khandre added. He termed the incident “unfortunate,” holding a private college staffer responsible for the lapse. “Instructions have been issued to prevent such incidents from recurring,” he said, adding that he had directed the district administration to investigate and submit a report within 24 hours. “Based on that report, strict action has already been taken against those responsible.”

“The government stands firmly with the student and his family,” Khandre assured. On April 17, Suchivrath Kulkarni was stopped at a CET center and asked to remove his janivara to be allowed entry. When he refused on religious grounds, he was barred from taking the exam. The incident has drawn widespread criticism from civil society and elected representatives alike.