The Union government has temporarily restricted access to the messaging platform Telegram across India following a request from the National Testing Agency (NTA). The restriction, which will remain in place until June 22, 2026, comes ahead of the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination scheduled for June 21. According to the NTA, the move was taken as a preventive measure against organized cheating networks allegedly using the platform to circulate exam-related material and mislead candidates.
In its communication to the government, the NTA stated that several cheating rackets had been operating through Telegram channels and groups, promising leaked question papers, answer keys, and guaranteed exam success in exchange for money. Officials expressed concern that such activities could compromise the integrity of one of India’s largest medical entrance examinations. The temporary restriction is intended to disrupt these networks and prevent the spread of misinformation before the re-exam.
The decision has sparked debate among students and digital rights advocates, with some questioning the impact of a platform-wide restriction on legitimate users. However, authorities have maintained that the measure is limited in duration and aimed solely at ensuring a fair and transparent examination process. The NEET-UG re-examination is expected to be conducted under heightened security arrangements, with officials closely monitoring online activities to prevent any attempts at malpractice.
