New Delhi: In an unprecedented move aimed at protecting the integrity of the upcoming NEET-UG 2026 re-examination, the Central government has ordered temporary restrictions on the messaging platform Telegram across India. The measure will remain in effect until June 22, covering the examination period and immediate post-exam phase. Officials said the decision was taken after investigators identified several Telegram channels allegedly involved in circulating false claims of leaked question papers and exploiting students through online scams.
Telegram Temporarily Curbed Across India
Alongside the temporary access restriction, Telegram’s message-editing functionality has also been disabled in India until June 30 to prevent misuse of previously posted content.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) stated that certain groups had been using edited messages to create the illusion of having access to exam papers before the test. According to the agency, such tactics were designed to deceive students and parents by presenting fabricated evidence of paper leaks.
Over recent weeks, multiple online groups reportedly demanded large sums of money from candidates, promising access to confidential examination material. The NTA reiterated that no genuine question paper exists outside its secure examination system and warned aspirants not to fall prey to such schemes.
Law-enforcement agencies have intensified their crackdown on cyber fraud linked to competitive examinations. Recently, an interstate network allegedly operating several Telegram channels was dismantled, with investigators tracing significant financial transactions linked to the scam.
Authorities emphasized that the temporary restrictions are a preventive measure rather than a response to any confirmed compromise of the examination process. While acknowledging that many users rely on Telegram for legitimate communication, officials said safeguarding the fairness of one of India’s largest entrance examinations remains the top priority.
Meanwhile, the NTA reported a strong response from candidates, noting that millions of students have already accessed examination-related services online. The agency assured aspirants that technical teams are monitoring systems continuously to ensure a smooth examination experience.
The NEET-UG 2026 re-examination is scheduled for June 21 under enhanced security arrangements, with officials expressing confidence that the additional safeguards will help maintain transparency and credibility throughout the process.
