Telegram Blocked in India Until June 22 Over NEET 2026 Exam Leak Concerns, Government Says

The Indian government on Tuesday decided to block access to the messaging platform Telegram until June 22, pointing concerns that organised cheating networks were using the app to facilitate fraud linked to the upcoming NEET-UG 2026 re-examination scheduled for June 21.

The restriction was been imposed under provisions of India's Information Technology Act that allow authorities to block online platforms in the interest of national security and public order. Officials described the measure as temporary and limited in duration.

The Ministry of Education's National Testing Agency said the decision was aimed at protecting the integrity of the highly competitive medical entrance examination after authorities uncovered attempts by cheating syndicates to misuse Telegram.

"The measure was taken in response to the organised use of the platform by cheating rackets to defraud candidates appearing for the NEET 2026 re-examination scheduled on June 21," the NTA said in a statement.

The government cancelled the original NEET examination last month after discovering that question papers had been leaked ahead of the test, triggering nationwide outrage and renewed scrutiny over examination security. A fresh examination has now been scheduled for June 21.

Telegram authorities have also reportedly asked to disable its message-editing feature, which investigators believe had been exploited to circulate manipulated screenshots and false claims related to leaked papers.

Officials have urged students and parents to rely only on official communication channels and avoid unverified information circulating online.

Telegram had not immediately commented on the government's action.