The Government of India has temporarily restricted access to Telegram ahead of the NEET UG 2026 re-examination, citing concerns over its alleged misuse by organised cheating networks and cyber fraud groups. The move comes as authorities intensify efforts to prevent misinformation and examination-related scams before the re-test scheduled for June 21.
Why Has Telegram Been Restricted in India?
According to the National Testing Agency (NTA), Telegram channels have been spreading false claims of leaked NEET question papers, sharing edited screenshots, and offering fraudulent access to exam materials in exchange for money.
To address these concerns, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued two temporary directives:
- Telegram access in India has been restricted until June 22, covering the examination period and its immediate aftermath.
- Telegram has been directed to disable the editing of previously posted messages for Indian users until June 30.
The NTA described these measures as “temporary, calibrated and time-bound,” adding that they were implemented only after large-scale takedowns of suspicious channels failed to curb the spread of misinformation.
NTA Flags Organised Exam Scam Networks
The agency said it has been monitoring multiple Telegram channels allegedly linked to organised exam fraud operations. Some channels reportedly used names such as “PAPER LEAKED NEET,” “Re-NEET 2026,” “Private Mafia,” and “REE NEET MAFIAA” to attract students.
According to NTA, these groups claimed to provide access to the NEET UG 2026 question paper and allegedly demanded payments ranging from a few thousand rupees to several lakh rupees from candidates and their families.
The agency has strongly denied the existence of any leaked paper, stating:
“No such paper exists outside the secured examination process. Any claim offering access to the question paper is a fraud.”
How Telegram’s Editing Feature Was Allegedly Misused
A key concern highlighted by the NTA involves Telegram’s message editing feature.
The agency claims that some channel administrators exploited the ability to edit previously posted messages while retaining their original timestamps. In certain cases, attached PDF files could also be replaced.
According to investigators, administrators would publish an ordinary message before the examination and later edit the same post after the exam had concluded. They would then insert the actual question paper and circulate screenshots as alleged proof that the paper had been leaked before the test.
NTA says these manipulated posts created fake evidence of paper leaks and contributed to widespread misinformation among students.
The temporary suspension of Telegram’s editing feature in India is intended to prevent the creation and circulation of such fabricated content.
Telegram’s Role in Exam-Related Rumours
Telegram has gained immense popularity in India due to its privacy-focused features, large broadcast channels, anonymous usernames, and ability to share files with massive audiences.
While the platform is widely used by educators, businesses, and content creators, authorities say these same features have also made it attractive to groups spreading exam-related rumours and fraudulent paper leak claims.
Over the past few years, Telegram has repeatedly come under scrutiny during major competitive examinations, including NEET, due to the rapid spread of unverified information and scam operations targeting students.
NTA Issues Strong Warning to Students
On June 15, the NTA issued a public advisory on social media, urging candidates not to fall for rumours surrounding the examination.
“Don’t let rumours decide your NEET (UG) 2026 journey,” the agency stated.
The NTA reiterated that no individual or organisation has access to the question paper before the examination and advised students to immediately report fake websites, paper leak offers, and anyone falsely claiming to represent the agency.
With the NEET UG 2026 re-test approaching, authorities have urged candidates to rely only on official announcements and avoid engaging with channels or individuals promising leaked papers or guaranteed exam access.
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NEET UG 2026 Re-Test on June 21
With the NEET UG 2026 re-examination scheduled for June 21, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has sought to reassure candidates that the temporary restrictions on Telegram are aimed solely at protecting the integrity of the examination process.
Acknowledging that millions of users rely on Telegram for legitimate educational, professional, and personal communication, the agency expressed regret over the inconvenience caused by the temporary measures.
“NTA sincerely regrets the inconvenience caused to genuine users,” the agency said, while emphasising that the restrictions are preventive in nature and linked to examination security concerns.
The agency also clarified that the security of the NEET UG 2026 examination remains fully intact.
“The security of the examination is unaffected by the action taken; it is, in fact, the very purpose of the action,” the statement noted.
As lakhs of medical aspirants prepare for one of India’s most competitive entrance examinations, the NTA has urged students and parents not to rely on social media rumours, unverified claims, or individuals promising access to question papers.
Candidates have been advised to trust only official announcements issued by the NTA and relevant government authorities, report suspicious activities, and stay focused on their preparation ahead of the June 21 re-test.
By Jessica Sabharwal
