TET (medical): Pregnant candidates denied washroom access during exam in Kullu

Candidates appearing for the TET Medical examination at Government Senior Secondary School (GSSS), Dhalpur, faced severe hardships today. Reports indicate that inadequate facilities and rigid rules added to the stress of the exam, leaving many candidates feeling humiliated and disregarded.

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One of the most troubling incidents involved pregnant candidates. Despite the exam lasting 2 hours and 30 minutes—and candidates being required to report two hours early, totaling 4.5 hours—pregnant candidates were denied access to washrooms. One candidate who was initially allowed to leave the hall under escort reported being denied entry to the staff restroom. Instead, she was directed to use a student facility described as “filthy and unfit for use”—primarily designated for boys. “It was extremely unhygienic, and I felt humiliated,” she said.

Shortly afterward, the senior invigilator implemented a blanket ban on all washroom visits. This policy affected not only pregnant candidates but also others who were visibly distressed, forcing many to complete the exam under significant discomfort.

The situation was further exacerbated by the handling of personal belongings. Invigilators confiscated or removed steel water bottles without explanation. With soaring temperatures and no access to drinking water, candidates faced physical discomfort and increased mental strain.

In a rare exception, one mother was briefly allowed to leave the examination hall to calm her crying infant, who was in the care of a relative outside. “She had made proper arrangements, but when her baby began crying, she was granted a short exit,” said another examinee. This inconsistency only highlighted the broader issues with the centre’s rigid and insensitive policies.

Many candidates—most of whom are postgraduate professionals—expressed outrage at being treated “like schoolchildren.” One remarked, “This is an exam for adults. We understand the importance of discipline, but the level of insensitivity shown was unacceptable.”

Despite charging Rs 1,200 per candidate, the examination centre has been accused of failing to provide basic amenities, such as clean restrooms, drinking water and accommodations for mothers and pregnant women.

Candidates are now urging the Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education and other relevant authorities to investigate the matter and ensure more humane, context-aware exam management. “If we can’t expect dignity, empathy, and basic sanitation in a public service exam, we’re truly moving backward, not forward,” one candidate concluded.