New Delhi: The Indian government has temporarily restricted access to Telegram as authorities intensify efforts to curb examination fraud ahead of the re-conducted NEET-UG medical entrance test scheduled for June 21.
The move follows the cancellation of the May edition of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test after allegations of a question paper leak triggered protests across the country. Nearly 2.28 million candidates had appeared for the examination at more than 5,000 centres.
According to the National Testing Agency (NTA), the restriction was imposed after concerns emerged over the organised use of Telegram by cheating networks. The agency stated that fraud groups allegedly used the platform to mislead candidates and their families by offering access to examination papers in exchange for large sums of money.
Authorities have directed Telegram access restrictions until June 22, one day after the retest. The government has also sought the temporary disabling of the platform’s message-editing feature until June 30, citing concerns over the alleged fabrication of evidence related to paper leak claims.
The NTA said law enforcement agencies and the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre removed numerous Telegram channels, groups, and bots allegedly linked to examination fraud activities.
The NEET controversy remains under investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation. More than a dozen arrests have already taken place in connection with the case.
The decision has drawn criticism from digital rights advocates. Critics argue that the restriction affects students who use Telegram for educational discussions, study groups, and exam preparation. They contend that blocking a communication platform does not address deeper issues related to examination security, including possible leaks within the education, printing, and logistics systems.
The NTA acknowledged the inconvenience caused to legitimate users while maintaining that the action was aimed at protecting the integrity of the examination process.
