New Delhi: The Indian government has temporarily restricted access to the messaging platform Telegram across the country as authorities intensify efforts to prevent exam related fraud ahead of the upcoming NEET re examination. The restriction, which will remain in place until June 22, comes amid growing concerns that the platform was being used to spread fake question papers, false leak claims, and misleading information connected to one of India's most important entrance examinations.
The move follows recommendations from the National Testing Agency, which is responsible for conducting the NEET examination. Officials believe that several Telegram channels were actively circulating claims about leaked question papers and attempting to mislead students preparing for the re examination scheduled for June 21.
According to government officials, the decision was taken after investigators found that some groups on Telegram were allegedly selling what they claimed were genuine exam papers. Authorities also raised concerns about the platform's message editing feature. Investigators say some users were editing old posts after the examination and presenting them as evidence that the questions had been leaked before the test took place. This created confusion among students and fuelled rumours on social media.
The temporary restriction has been imposed under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, which allows the government to block online content or services under specific circumstances. Officials said the step was necessary to maintain the integrity of the examination process and prevent further spread of misinformation during a sensitive period.
The National Testing Agency has publicly supported the government's decision. The agency believes the restriction will help reduce the circulation of fake papers and misleading claims before students sit for the re examination. It has also launched a dedicated online portal where candidates can report suspicious activities, including fake paper leak claims, impersonation attempts, and exam related scams.
The latest developments come against the backdrop of a wider controversy surrounding the NEET examination. Earlier this year, allegations of irregularities and paper leaks led to widespread concerns about the fairness of the examination process. Following investigations, authorities decided to conduct a re examination for affected candidates.
Officials have repeatedly urged students and parents not to trust messages claiming to offer question papers or guaranteed exam content. They have warned that many such claims are designed to exploit anxious students and may be part of organised scams.
While the government maintains that the restriction is a temporary measure aimed at protecting the examination process, the decision has also sparked debate. Some digital rights advocates have questioned whether blocking an entire platform is proportionate to the problem, arguing that action against specific channels or groups could have been considered instead.
Telegram has become one of the most widely used messaging platforms in India, serving millions of users for communication, education, business, and community discussions. As a result, the temporary restriction has affected a large number of users who have no connection to the examination controversy.
For now, authorities remain focused on ensuring that the June 21 re examination is conducted smoothly and fairly. The government is expected to review the situation after June 22 and decide whether normal access to Telegram can be restored or if additional measures will be required based on the findings of ongoing investigations.
Students have been advised to rely only on official announcements from the National Testing Agency and other government sources and to avoid sharing or believing unverified information circulating online.