Mananthavady: The Kerala Catholic Youth Movement (KCYM) of the Mananthavady Diocese has raised serious concerns over the decision to conduct major national entrance examinations on Easter Day in 2026, calling for an immediate review and rescheduling of the dates.

In a statement issued by the diocesan committee, the organization emphasized that while planning large-scale examinations such as the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), which sees participation from lakhs of students nationwide, authorities must take into account the religious significance of important days observed by different communities across the country.

Diocesan President Nikhil Choodiyankal highlighted that holding examinations on a sacred occasion like Easter places Christian students in a difficult position. He pointed out that such scheduling forces them to choose between participating in essential religious observances and appearing for crucial academic tests, creating emotional strain and unnecessary pressure.

The committee further noted that this overlap could lead to heightened mental stress among students, as they struggle to balance their faith commitments with academic responsibilities that significantly impact their future.

Calling for a more sensitive and inclusive approach, KCYM urged the concerned authorities to design examination calendars that respect India’s diverse cultural and religious fabric. The organization also appealed for immediate steps to reschedule the exams, ensuring that students are not compelled to compromise either their faith or their academic aspirations.