IIT Bombay Cites UNODC Report For Telegram Ban, Highlights Growing Online Fraud

The Centre has ordered a temporary block on Telegram access ahead of the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination due to concerns over misleading content regarding exam integrity. The National Testing Agency welcomed this, alleging the app was used to create fabricated paper leak evidence. The restriction under Section 69A of the IT Act, 2000, is set to end on June 22, 2026, and also mandates disabling the message-editing feature until June 30, 2026. The Indian government temporarily blocked access to Telegram across the country until June 22, 2026, citing concerns over cheating during the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination. This action was taken at the request of the National Testing Agency to curb fraudulent activities involving leaked question papers. Furthermore, message editing in Telegram was disabled until June 30, 2026, to prevent the fabrication of evidence. MeitY has blocked Telegram access in India until June 22, 2026, due to NEET (UG) 2026 security concerns, following NTA recommendations. This action aims to secure the re-examination on June 21. Additionally, Telegram must disable message editing for posted messages until June 30, 2026, to prevent post-examination evidence manipulation. The National Testing Agency (NTA) welcomed the Centre's decision to temporarily restrict Telegram access in India ahead of the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination on June 21. This action aims to curb examination fraud and misinformation. The restriction includes disabling message editing until June 30 to prevent the circulation of altered documents, as Telegram's editing feature was allegedly used to spread false paper leak claims.