The Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC) has asked for the postponement of the national engineering entrance exams scheduled for Maundy Thursday and Easter.
KCBC pointed out that conducting competitive exams on days observed as holy holidays by Christians is a violation of the fundamental right to freedom of religion enshrined in the Constitution of India. This recurring tendency was an interference with the right of minority communities to believe. These days have deep spiritual significance in the Christian faith, and participating in trials on these days would affect their meaningful observance.
Therefore, the competitive exams scheduled for Maundy Thursday and Easter should be postponed, urged KCBC President Archbishop Varghese Chakkalakal, Vice-President Bishop Samuel Mar Irenios and General Secretary Archbishop Thomas Tharayil. KCBC will also write to the central government and national testing agencies to increase demand.
Published – 23 March 2026 21:51 IST
