Popular messaging platform Telegram has been temporarily blocked in India until June 22 as part of a precautionary measure ahead of the Re-NEET (UG) 2026 examination. In addition, the platform’s message-editing feature has been disabled until June 30 following concerns over its alleged misuse by organised cheating networks.
The move was ordered by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) based on recommendations made by the National Testing Agency (NTA), which is responsible for conducting the national medical entrance examination.
Government Cites Public Order Concerns
In a statement issued on Tuesday, June 16, the NTA said the restrictions were imposed in the interest of maintaining public order and ensuring the integrity of the upcoming re-examination.
“Both measures have been taken in the interest of public order, in response to the organised use of the platform by cheating rackets to defraud candidates appearing for the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination scheduled on June 21, 2026,” the agency said.
According to officials, authorities identified several Telegram channels allegedly being used to lure students and their families with promises of access to the question paper before the examination.
Re-NEET Scheduled After Paper Leak Controversy
The Re-NEET (UG) 2026 examination is being conducted after the original NEET UG exam held on May 3 was cancelled following serious allegations of a question paper leak.
The controversy triggered nationwide concern among medical aspirants and their families, prompting authorities to order a fresh examination and tighten monitoring measures to prevent further malpractice.
The re-examination is scheduled to take place on June 21.
Telegram Channels Under Scrutiny
The NTA claimed that several Telegram channels were openly operating with names suggesting access to leaked examination papers and insider information.
Among the channels identified by the agency were groups carrying names such as “PAPER LEAKED NEET”, “Re-NEET 2026”, “Private Mafia”, “REE NEET MAFIAA” and other similar titles.
Authorities allege that these channels were demanding payments ranging from a few thousand rupees to several lakh rupees from candidates and parents in exchange for purported access to the re-examination paper.
Investigators believe many of these operations were designed to exploit anxious students and families by spreading misinformation and false claims about leaked papers.
Editing Feature Also Restricted
Apart from the temporary block, authorities have also disabled Telegram’s editing functionality until June 30.
Officials believe the feature could potentially be misused to alter messages after publication, making it more difficult to track the spread of misleading information or fraudulent claims related to the examination.
The restriction is intended to assist monitoring efforts and preserve digital evidence during ongoing investigations into alleged examination fraud networks.
Crackdown On Exam Malpractice
The latest action forms part of a broader crackdown on examination-related malpractice following the NEET paper leak controversy.
Government agencies have intensified surveillance of social media platforms, messaging applications and online groups suspected of facilitating cheating, leaking examination material or defrauding candidates.
Officials have repeatedly urged students and parents not to trust claims regarding leaked question papers and to report suspicious activity to authorities.
With the Re-NEET examination approaching, authorities say strict measures will remain in place to ensure a fair and transparent testing process for lakhs of medical aspirants across the country.