NTA defends Telegram curbs ahead of NEET UG 2026 re-exam, says 'move to stop fraud'

The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Monday (June 15) defended the temporary restrictions imposed on Telegram in the country ahead of the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination, stating that the measures were necessary to prevent organised fraud and the spread of fabricated paper-leak claims. The NEET (UG) re-test is scheduled for June 21.

Temporary restrictions explained

In a statement on X, NTA further stated that the directions concerning Telegram were "calibrated and bounded in time". Access to the platform has been restricted in India until June 22, while the message-editing feature for already-posted messages has been disabled until June 30. According to the NTA, the action was taken after cheating rackets allegedly used the platform to target candidates appearing for the examination.

“Both measures have been taken in the interest of public order, in response to the organised use of the platform by cheating rackets to defraud candidates appearing for the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination scheduled on 21 June 2026,” stated the NTA.

The NTA said several Telegram channels had been advertising alleged access to examination papers and collecting money from candidates and their families. Among the channel names cited by the agency were "PAPER LEAKED NEET", "Re-NEET 2026", "Private Mafia" and "REE NEET MAFIAA".

‘No paper leak,’ says NTA

Reiterating its position on examination security, the agency said there was no question paper available outside the secured examination process.

"The promise of any such material is, in every instance, a fraud," the statement said.

Also Read: NEET UG 2026: NTA extends exam duration, adds more rough-work pages for candidates

A key part of the statement focused on Telegram's message-editing feature. According to the NTA, administrators can modify previously posted messages, including attached PDF files, while retaining the original timestamp. The agency alleged that this capability had been used to create misleading evidence of paper leaks after examinations were conducted.

Message editing under scrutiny

"This capability has been used, in respect of multiple recent examinations, to fabricate after-the-event 'paper leak' artefacts," stated the NTA. It added that disabling the feature would close a route through which such claims had been circulated.

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While acknowledging the inconvenience to legitimate users, the agency maintained that the examination remains secure. "The security of the examination is unaffected by the action taken; it is, in fact, the very purpose of the action," it said.

The agency also said more than 10 lakh candidates downloaded their NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination admit cards within about 24 hours of the facility being activated.

Admit card downloads cross 10 lakh

Elaborating further NTA stated that technical teams are continuously monitoring server performance as large numbers of candidates access the portal. It urged students not to panic if they have not yet downloaded their admit cards, adding that arrangements are in place to ensure all eligible candidates receive the document before the examination. Candidates have been advised to use only the official NTA portal and verify all details carefully.