The government has restricted access to the popular messaging app Telegram nationwide until June 22. The temporary measure, enacted under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, comes days before the re-examination of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) 2026 scheduled for June 21.
The National Testing Agency (NTA), which oversees the exam, described the action as a response to organised cheating networks allegedly using Telegram channels to defraud aspirants with fake question papers and misleading claims of leaks. This follows the cancellation of the original May exam due to widespread paper leak allegations, which affected millions of students and triggered nationwide protests.
Authorities have also directed Telegram to disable its message-editing feature for users in India until June 30. Officials noted that fraudsters had exploited this capability to alter older posts, fabricating timestamps and evidence of leaks after exams. The NTA emphasised that earlier efforts to remove problematic content had limited success, making broader restrictions a necessary step.
Background and immediate impact
NEET-UG remains one of India’s most competitive examinations, serving as the gateway for undergraduate medical and dental admissions. The 2026 cycle has been particularly turbulent, with the initial test scrapped amid serious irregularities. For the re-test, the government has taken extraordinary precautions, including secure transport of question papers via Indian Air Force aircraft to examination centres.
The Telegram restrictions took effect rapidly on June 16, with several telecom providers blocking access and the app’s availability removed from major app stores in India. While the block is time-bound and calibrated to cover the re-exam period and its immediate aftermath, it has sparked debate over its broader implications for millions of legitimate users who rely on the platform for communication, education, and business.
Telegram founder Pavel Durov criticised the decision, stating that it ‘punishes’ over 150 million ordinary users in India without effectively stopping leaks, which he claimed have simply migrated to other apps. Telegram has reportedly challenged the order in the Delhi High Court.
Why Telegram and Not Other Platforms?
Officials pointed to specific evidence of organised fraud networks operating on Telegram, including channels advertising purported leaked papers. In contrast to more moderated platforms, Telegram’s channel features and encryption have reportedly made it attractive for such activities. The government maintains that the action is proportionate and temporary, regretting the inconvenience while prioritising exam security.
Cyber crime units and the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) have been actively monitoring and blocking fraudulent channels in coordination with the NTA.
Reactions
Student groups and opposition voices have raised concerns about the inconvenience to genuine users, especially those using Telegram for study groups and legitimate discussions. Some reports indicate that workarounds like VPNs may still allow limited access for tech-savvy users.
The NTA has welcomed the government’s swift intervention, calling it a calibrated measure of last resort. As the re-examination approaches, authorities are urging students to rely on official channels for updates and to avoid unverified sources promising leaked materials.