Archive · 20 Jan 2026
Haryana Allows Kirpan, Mangalsutra in Exams
The Haryana government has announced that Sikh students can carry a small kirpan (a religious sword) and married women can wear a mangalsutra (a sacred necklace) during exams.
The kirpan must be under 9 inches long, with the blade not exceeding 6 inches.
This rule applies to all exams conducted by schools, colleges, universities, and recruiting agencies in the state.
The government wants to make sure that everyone can follow their religious practices while taking exams.
Students with a kirpan are asked to arrive at the exam center an hour early.
Haryana allows Sikh students to carry a kirpan not exceeding 9 inches in total length and 6 inches for the blade during exams.
Married women are permitted to wear a mangalsutra during exams.
The notification applies to exams conducted by schools, colleges, universities, and recruiting agencies in Haryana.
Sikh candidates with a kirpan are advised to arrive at the exam center an hour before the scheduled time.
The notification was issued by the chief secretary’s office in Chandigarh.
- Who
- Sikh students and married women in Haryana
- What
- Allowed to carry kirpan and wear mangalsutra during exams
- When
- Effective immediately as per the notification
- Where
- Haryana, India
- Why
- To accommodate religious and cultural practices
- State
- Haryana
- Religious Items Allowed
- Kirpan, Mangalsutra
- Kirpan Size Limit
- 9 inches (22.86 cm) total, 6 inches (15.24 cm) blade
- Applicability
- Schools, colleges, universities, recruiting agencies
- Notification Issued By
- Chief Secretary’s Office, Chandigarh
