Telegram Blocked Before NEET Re-Exam: Centre Takes Big Step to Stop Paper Leak Scams, NTA Reacts

In a decisive move to protect the integrity of one of India’s most crucial entrance exams, the government has temporarily restricted access to the popular messaging platform Telegram across the country.

The restriction, enforced until June 22, comes just days before the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination scheduled for June 21, with authorities aiming to crack down on organised cheating networks and misinformation campaigns targeting students.

Why Telegram Has Been Restricted

According to the National Testing Agency (NTA), the decision was taken after detecting widespread misuse of Telegram channels by fraudsters.

These groups allegedly promised access to exam papers in exchange for money, exploiting anxious candidates and their families.

“This is a preventive measure to ensure fairness and transparency,” officials indicated, emphasizing that such claims were completely fake and misleading.

The directive was issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), which also instructed Telegram to disable its message-editing feature in India until June 30.

The Real Concern: Fake ‘Paper Leak’ Evidence

One of the key reasons behind restricting Telegram’s features is the potential misuse of its message-editing function.

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Authorities explained that scammers could edit old messages while keeping original timestamps, making it appear as though they had access to question papers in advance.

This tactic could falsely “prove” a paper leak, triggering panic among students and damaging the credibility of the examination system.

Agencies Step In to Tighten Security

The NTA acknowledged the support of multiple agencies working together to combat exam-related fraud, including:

• Ministry of Home Affairs
• Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre
• Central Bureau of Investigation
• State police forces

This coordinated effort reflects the seriousness with which authorities are treating exam integrity in India.

Students May Face Inconvenience—but Safety Comes First

While the move has caused inconvenience for genuine Telegram users, officials stressed that the restriction is temporary and targeted.

The NTA urged candidates to avoid relying on unofficial sources and instead follow only verified updates from official channels.

“The integrity of the examination and the future of students is our top priority,” the agency reiterated.

NEET-UG Re-Exam to Proceed as Scheduled

Despite the restrictions, the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination will be conducted on June 21 as planned.

Authorities remain confident that these measures will reduce misinformation, prevent fraud, and ensure a fair environment for lakhs of aspirants across the country.