India Orders Temporary Telegram Block Ahead of NEET UG Re-Test Over Exam Fraud Concerns
India has ordered a temporary nationwide block on Telegram until June 22, citing concerns that organized cheating networks are using the messaging app to target students ahead of the NEET UG re-test.
The National Testing Agency, which conducts the National Eligibility Entrance Test for undergraduate medical admissions, announced the move on Tuesday. The agency said the restrictions are intended to stop fraudsters from using Telegram to sell fake exam papers, circulate misleading claims, and exploit anxious candidates before the June 21 re-examination.
NEET UG is one of India’s largest and most competitive entrance exams, with millions of students appearing each year for admission to medical colleges. Any disruption or leak related to the test can have major consequences for candidates and the wider education system.
According to the agency, the temporary Telegram ban is aimed at preventing cheating rackets from spreading false information and running scams in the days leading up to the re-test. The agency has also asked Telegram to disable its message-editing feature until June 30.
Officials argue that the edit option has been misused by bad actors to alter messages after exams are completed, creating fabricated “proof” of question paper leaks. The agency said the measures were taken in the interest of public order and to protect candidates appearing for the NEET UG 2026 re-examination.
The order was issued under Section 69A of India’s Information Technology Act, which allows authorities to block access to online services or content under certain conditions.
However, the decision has quickly drawn criticism from digital rights advocates. The Internet Freedom Foundation described the move as disproportionate and questioned whether the law allows the government to block an entire messaging platform instead of targeting specific unlawful content or accounts.
The group argued that shutting down Telegram would not solve the deeper problem of exam fraud and called it a “band-aid solution” to a larger issue.
The NEET UG re-test follows a major paper leak controversy that triggered a federal investigation and intensified public scrutiny of India’s examination process. Authorities have since been under pressure to strengthen security measures around national entrance exams and prevent future leaks.
India is one of Telegram’s largest markets, making even a short-term restriction on the platform highly significant. Millions of users in the country rely on the app for group chats, news updates, study communities, business communication, and file sharing.
Despite the order, Telegram was reportedly still accessible in India at the time of publication, and its message-editing feature appeared to be working normally.
Telegram and India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology had not issued an immediate public response to the matter.
