Why India Temporarily Blocked Telegram Ahead of NEET Re-Exam
India has temporarily restricted access to the Telegram messaging app as authorities intensify efforts to prevent malpractice ahead of the re-examination of the country’s largest medical entrance test.
The federal Ministry of Education announced on Tuesday that Telegram would remain blocked until 22 June after officials linked the platform to activities aimed at misleading and exploiting candidates preparing for the National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET).
More than 2.3 million aspiring medical students are expected to retake the exam on 21 June after the original test held in May was cancelled over allegations of a question paper leak.
The cancellation sparked protests across several cities and increased pressure on Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, with critics questioning the government’s handling of NEET and other key examinations.
According to India’s National Testing Agency (NTA), the temporary restriction was imposed under provisions of the country’s information technology laws that allow the government to block digital platforms in matters linked to national interest and public order.
Officials alleged that organised cheating networks used Telegram channels to target students by offering fake NEET question papers in exchange for large payments.
Authorities also directed Telegram to suspend its message-editing feature in India until the end of June. The NTA claimed that some channel administrators edited old posts after the examination to insert actual questions while keeping earlier timestamps, creating the appearance that papers had leaked before the exam.
The agency further stated that several Telegram channels promoting fraudulent exam materials had already been removed.
In a related development, police arrested at least two suspects in Ahmedabad over allegations that they deceived students by promising access to leaked examination papers.
The Education Ministry acknowledged that the restriction would inconvenience many users but described it as a temporary measure of last resort after previous efforts to remove misleading content proved ineffective.
India remains Telegram’s largest market by downloads, although WhatsApp continues to dominate the messaging sector. The move marks one of the country’s most extensive temporary restrictions on a widely used communication platform.
Following the exam controversy, the government announced heightened security arrangements for the re-examination process, including the use of Air Force aircraft to transport examination materials.
Reports also indicated that individuals involved in preparing, moderating and translating the examination papers have been placed under strict isolation protocols at undisclosed locations, with communication devices prohibited and movement closely monitored to prevent further leaks.
