The Indian government has extended the ban on the Telegram messaging app until June 22, 2026, following recommendations from the National Testing Agency (NTA). The restriction aims to prevent further leaks and cheating ahead of the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination. The ban was implemented nationwide starting Tuesday, affecting access to the app across the country, according to livemint.com.
The Ministry of Electronics and IT issued the directive to continue restricting Telegram access after the NTA flagged concerns about ongoing paper leak incidents linked to the platform. The NTA's recommendation came amid investigations into cheating rackets operating through Telegram channels. The government’s move follows earlier actions taken to curb the misuse of the app during examination periods, as reported by economictimes.indiatimes.com.
Telegram’s blockage reflects the broader challenges India faces in securing examination integrity amid rising digital communication misuse. The NEET exam, a highly competitive medical entrance test, has seen multiple paper leak cases in recent years, prompting authorities to take stringent measures. Similar restrictions have been applied to other platforms in the past to safeguard exam processes. The NTA’s intervention underscores the ongoing efforts to maintain fairness in India’s education system, per livemint.com.
Telegram will remain inaccessible in India until June 22, the day after the NEET re-examination concludes. The NTA and government agencies continue monitoring digital platforms for any suspicious activity related to exam content leaks, ensuring the re-exam proceeds without further disruptions, according to economictimes.indiatimes.com.