New Delhi: In a major step to safeguard the integrity of the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination, the Central government has temporarily restricted access to the messaging platform Telegram across India until June 22. The move comes amid concerns over alleged paper leaks, fake question papers and organised cheating networks operating online ahead of the re-exam scheduled for June 21.
The decision was taken following recommendations from the National Testing Agency (NTA), which has been tasked with conducting the re-examination. According to officials, several Telegram channels were allegedly being used to spread misinformation, sell fake question papers and exploit anxious students and parents by promising early access to exam content.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) directed internet service providers to restrict access to Telegram nationwide as a preventive measure. Authorities have also instructed the platform to disable its message editing feature in India until June 30, citing concerns that the feature could be misused to fabricate evidence of paper leaks by altering messages without changing their timestamps.
The NTA welcomed the Centre’s decision, stating that repeated efforts to remove individual channels promoting fraudulent activities had proved ineffective. Officials said organised groups had been demanding large sums of money from candidates in exchange for purported access to leaked examination papers.
In addition to the Telegram restrictions, the NTA has launched a dedicated complaint portal where students, parents and members of the public can report suspicious activities related to the examination, including paper leak claims, impersonation attempts and misleading social media posts.
Candidates have been advised to rely only on official notifications issued by the NTA and avoid falling prey to rumours circulating on messaging apps and social media platforms.
The temporary restriction is expected to remain in place until the completion of the re-examination process, after which normal access to Telegram may be restored.
