India Blocks Telegram Ahead of NEET Exam to Stop Paper Leak

Tue Jun 16 2026 12:01:56 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

India temporarily bans Telegram to stop cheating ahead of the NEET‑UG exam amid a paper‑leak scandal.

India’s government has temporarily banned Telegram in a bid to curb cheating before the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) retest on 21 June, following the exam’s cancellation over paper‑leak allegations. The National Testing Agency (NTA) welcomed the move, saying organised use of the platform by cheating syndicates was a concern, while critics call the ban a superficial fix that unfairly penalises regular users. The ban coincides with protests, arrests, and a broader debate over exam integrity in India’s medical admissions process, as the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre dismantles suspect Telegram channels and seeks to prevent future leaks.

India Blocks Telegram Ahead of NEET Exam to Stop Paper Leak

India has temporarily barred the popular messaging app Telegram ahead of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) re‑test scheduled for 21 June, citing fears that the platform could be exploited by cheating syndicates.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) welcomed the decision, saying it was prompted by the organised use of Telegram to facilitate fraud after last month’s exam was cancelled amid allegations of a paper leak.

Students, whose final exams are the gateway to India’s medical schools, have been using the app for study groups and doubt‑clearing. Critics argue the ban is a “band‑aid solution” that punishes ordinary users and does not address the underlying system of leaks.

Meanwhile, the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre has taken down dozens of Telegram channels that allegedly advertised illicit exam‑paper deals, and several candidates have been arrested in the investigation.

The government has also ordered Telegram to disable its message‑editing feature until 30 June, claiming it was used to “fabricate evidence” of leaks.

While the NTA apologized for the inconvenience caused, digital‑rights advocates say the move is unconstitutional and reactive.