Catholic organizations in Kerala have raised strong objections to the scheduling of national-level entrance examinations on Maundy Thursday and Easter Sunday, urging authorities to reconsider the dates.
The Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC) on March 23 called on officials to withdraw the plan to conduct all-India engineering entrance exams on these important Christian feast days. The council said the decision affects the religious freedom of Christian students.
Council president Varghese Chakkalakal stated that holding exams on such sacred days forces students to choose between their faith and their academic future. The council stressed that these days are central to Christian worship and spiritual life.
The KCBC also said it would take up the issue with the Government of India and the National Testing Agency, requesting that the exams be rescheduled to more suitable dates.
The Catholic Congress also expressed concern, calling the decision insensitive to the Christian minority. Its leaders said such scheduling creates unnecessary hardship and ignores the importance of religious observances.
Youth representatives added that the exam dates affect students emotionally, as they are unable to fully take part in important church celebrations during Holy Week. Catholic groups have urged authorities to take immediate corrective steps and ensure that future exam schedules respect religious diversity. They emphasized that sensitivity to all faiths is important to protect constitutional values and maintain harmony in society.
