Telegram blackout until June 22 amid NEET paper leak crackdown
In a major move aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination, the Centre has temporarily blocked access to the Telegram messaging platform across India until June 22.
According to a release issued by the National Testing Agency (NTA), the restriction has been imposed under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act and will remain in force for a limited period ending June 22.
The action follows concerns raised by the NTA and the Ministry of Education over several Telegram channels that were allegedly spreading claims related to leaked question papers, answer keys and examination content. Authorities identified channels operating under names such as “Paper Leaked NEET“, “Re-NEET 2026“, “Private Mafia” and “Ree NEET Mafiaa“.
The NEET UG 2026 re-examination is scheduled to be held on June 21.
To strengthen monitoring efforts, the NTA has also launched a dedicated reporting portal for students, parents, coaching institutes and members of the public to flag suspicious claims, fake websites and fraudulent activities linked to the examination.
The agency reiterated that no individual has access to the question paper before the examination and urged candidates not to fall prey to rumours or misinformation circulating online.
“Don’t let rumours decide your NEET (UG) 2026 journey. No one, repeat, no one has access to the question paper before the exam,” the NTA said in a social media post.
The examination body has asked candidates to report unauthorised websites, social media accounts, messaging channels claiming access to question papers or answer keys, individuals offering leaked papers or guaranteed results for money, and persons impersonating NTA officials.
Users can submit information through the dedicated portal along with supporting evidence such as screenshots, links and documents. The NTA has advised aspirants to rely only on official NTA and NEET platforms for examination-related updates.
The temporary restriction on Telegram is being viewed as part of a broader effort by authorities to prevent misinformation, curb paper leak rumours and ensure a fair and transparent conduct of one of India’s largest entrance examinations.
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