New Delhi: The Central Government has temporarily banned access to Telegram in India ahead of the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination scheduled for June 21. The decision was taken following a recommendation from the National Testing Agency (NTA), which identified the messaging platform as a key tool allegedly being used by cheating syndicates to mislead and defraud candidates.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has invoked emergency powers under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, to implement the restrictions.
Government Issues Two Major Directives
According to the official order, the government has imposed two temporary measures on Telegram.
First, public access to Telegram across India has been completely restricted until June 22, 2026. The restriction covers the period leading up to, during, and immediately after the NEET UG re-examination.
Second, Telegram has been directed to disable its message-editing feature for all users in India until June 30, 2026.
NTA Flags Message-Editing Feature as a Loophole
The NTA stated that the platform’s message-editing feature was being misused by organized cheating rackets. These groups allegedly altered messages and manipulated timestamps after examinations had concluded, creating a false impression that question papers had been leaked in advance.
Authorities believe the practice was being used to deceive candidates and generate panic while also facilitating fraudulent activities linked to examination malpractice.
Action Taken in Interest of Public Order
In its statement, the NTA said the temporary restrictions were necessary to maintain public order and protect the integrity of the examination process.
“Both measures have been taken in the interest of public order, in response to the organized use of the platform by cheating rackets to defraud candidates,” the agency stated.
The government clarified that the restrictions are temporary and aimed solely at preventing misuse of the platform during the sensitive examination period.
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