Ahead of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) UG 2026 re-examination scheduled for June 21, the government has imposed temporary restrictions on the messaging and social media platform Telegram until June 22 in a bid to curb examination-related malpractice and ensure the integrity of the test.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has welcomed the decision taken by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), describing it as a timely measure aimed at preventing the misuse of digital platforms by organised cheating networks.
In a statement, the NTA said the restriction on Telegram access will remain in force during the day of the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination and in its immediate aftermath. The agency further informed that Telegram has also been directed to disable its message-editing feature for already-posted messages until June 30.
According to the NTA, the message-editing feature has allegedly been exploited in the past to create fabricated claims of question paper leaks after examinations have been conducted. By disabling this feature temporarily, authorities aim to prevent the manipulation of messages that could be used to spread misinformation and create confusion among candidates and the public.
The agency stated that both measures have been implemented in the interest of public order and in response to the organised use of the platform by cheating rackets seeking to defraud students appearing for the re-examination.
Officials believe that restricting access to Telegram during this critical period will help curb the circulation of misleading content, fake leak claims, and other activities that could undermine the credibility of the examination process.
Expressing gratitude to MeitY for the intervention, the NTA said the government's action would contribute significantly to the safe, secure, and transparent conduct of the examination. The agency reiterated its commitment to ensuring a fair testing environment for all candidates and safeguarding the interests of students.
The NEET-UG examination is one of the country's most competitive entrance tests, serving as the gateway for admission to undergraduate medical courses across India. The re-examination is being conducted amid heightened scrutiny over exam security and fairness, making the latest preventive measures a key part of the authorities' efforts to maintain the integrity of the process.
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