Re-NEET
Telegram suspended ahead of NEET-UG re-test as govt targets paper leak networks and fraud channels
New Delhi/IBNS: The government has temporarily suspended access to Telegram in India as a precautionary measure ahead of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test - Undergraduate (NEET-UG) 2026 re-examination, according to media reports.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has blocked access to the messaging platform until June 22 to prevent examination-related malpractice in the wake of the controversy surrounding the alleged May 3 paper leak.
Telegram Restricted Until June 22
As part of the preventive measures, the ministry has suspended Telegram services across the country until June 22.
In addition, Telegram has reportedly been directed to disable the message-editing feature for already-posted messages until June 30, 2026, to prevent the alteration of content that could be used to mislead candidates or obstruct investigations.
NEET-UG Re-Examination Scheduled for June 21
The re-examination for NEET-UG 2026 is scheduled to be held on June 21 following widespread allegations of question paper leaks during the original examination conducted on May 3.
Authorities are taking extra precautions to ensure the integrity of the test and restore confidence among candidates and parents.
NTA Welcomes Government's Decision
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has welcomed the government's move, stating that the restrictions were imposed in the interest of public order.
According to the NTA, the measures were necessary in response to the organised use of Telegram by cheating syndicates and fraudsters seeking to exploit candidates appearing for the re-examination.
Why Telegram?
The NTA said investigations and monitoring by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), state police forces and other agencies uncovered several Telegram channels, groups and bots allegedly being used to spread misinformation regarding the re-examination.
Several channels operating under names such as "PAPER LEAKED NEET" and "RE-NEET 2026" were reportedly demanding payments ranging from a few thousand rupees to several lakh rupees from candidates and their families in exchange for purported question papers.
Exam cancelled after ‘guess paper’ controversy
The examination was cancelled after questions from a circulated “guess paper” allegedly matched the main examination conducted on May 3.
The NTA decided to reschedule the examination on a separate date. Nearly 22 lakh candidates had appeared for the test.
Protests erupt over NEET cancellation
Protests demanding the cancellation of the NEET erupted across several parts of India after allegations of paper leaks, irregularities, and unfair evaluation practices surfaced.
Students and opposition parties accused authorities of failing to ensure transparency and merit in one of the country’s most competitive medical entrance examinations.
Demonstrators demanded a re-examination, accountability from the NTA, and reforms in the examination system to restore trust among aspirants.
The central government has ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged malpractice associated with the examination.
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