The Rajasthan Staff Selection Board (RSSB) has introduced a mandatory kurta-pajama dress code for male candidates appearing in upcoming government job examinations. This measure aims to prevent cheating and address recurring issues of paper leaks during recruitment exams in the state.

RSSB Chairman Alok Raj announced the decision via social media, emphasizing that stricter regulations are necessary to uphold the integrity of the examination process. This move follows earlier bans on items like metal chains, jackets, and zipper pants, which posed challenges during security checks. Metal detectors often beeped due to metal components in clothing, complicating the identification of hidden devices and allowing potential cheating to go undetected.

However, this dress code has created much controversy among the aspiring candidates as many are cribbing it to be impractical, particularly during Rajasthan's harsh winter. Students say a kurta-pajama offers insufficient protection against the cold, making them restless in exams. Others have even complained about the financial burden of purchasing a new set of clothes, adding to the already burdensome cost of exam preparation.

While the intention behind the policy is understandable, the implementation seems disconnected from the ground realities," said one aspirant. Others have called for alternative measures, such as improved invigilation or enhanced technology, to tackle the issue of cheating.

Despite the opposition, the RSSB maintains that the dress code is necessary for conducting unbiased exams. The board has not taken any step to address the concerns of the students or suggest any measures to ease the policy. As the new dress code comes into effect, its feasibility and workability will be questioned in the coming months.