The National Testing Agency (NTA) has temporarily restricted access to Telegram in India. This action precedes the NEET UG re-exam scheduled for June 21, 2026 . The ban targets specific features used to allegedly fabricate evidence of paper leaks. Students taking the exam have welcomed the move. They have demanded a full investigation into a previous paper leak. That leak affected candidates from the May 3, 2026 exam.
Telegram Restriction Details
The NTA stated that Telegram's features were used by cheating networks. These networks allegedly defrauded candidates. The restriction applies under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology also directed Telegram to disable its message-editing feature in India. This feature will remain disabled until June 30, 2026 . The NTA aims to prevent further leaks and ensure exam integrity.
Student Reactions and Concerns
Many students view the Telegram ban as a positive step. They want those involved in the leaks caught. However, some students express skepticism. They argue that blocking only Telegram is insufficient. Many students rely on the platform for free study materials. They also called for restrictions on other social media platforms. This is to help prevent future paper leaks.
Telegram CEO's Response
Telegram CEO Pavel Durov commented on the ban. He stated the IT Ministry banned Telegram for one week. This was due to some users sharing leaked exam questions. Durov noted that this punishes over 150 million ordinary users. He claimed the ban has not stopped leaks. Leaks have reportedly moved to other apps. Durov also stated Telegram removed hundreds of channels sharing leaked materials. The company made its "edited" label more visible. This aims to prevent backdating of scams.
NEET UG Re-Exam Security Measures
The NEET UG 2026 re-exam is set for June 21, 2026 . The exam will run from 2 PM to 5:15 PM. The Ministry of Education has implemented new security measures. The Indian Air Force will assist in transporting exam papers. This is to ensure secure delivery to exam centers. These steps aim to prevent leaks and maintain exam fairness.
