NTA flags 'fake' info on NEET-UG paper leaks in Telegram, Instagram channels
106 Telegram, 16 Instagram handles were seen as creating fake narratives that they had access to NEET-UG question paper. NTA has asked them to delete the accounts
The National Testing Agency (NTA), which is already facing a lot of heat over paper leak allegations in the NEET-UG medical entrance exam last year, has identified 106 Telegram and 16 Instagram accounts for making false claims of a possible paper leak in the upcoming exam.
Instagram and Telegram have been asked to delete the accounts and give details of the individuals operating them.
Fake narratives
Quoting NTA sources, reports said, 106 Telegram and 16 Instagram handles were seen creating fake narratives that they had access to the question paper.
According to PTI, NTA has flagged over 1,500 suspicious messages related to fake paper leaks of the NEET-UG medical entrance exam on Telegram.
Also read: NTA 'lapses' in NEET-UG 2024: SC closes case as Centre says it will implement reforms
These complaints were made to the NTA-run Suspicious Claims Reporting Portal, which allows anyone to report suspicious claims and activities linked to the medical exam. Telegram and Instagram channels were found to be spreading misinformation about paper leaks and misleading students.
NTA cracks down
The NTA has taken up the matter with the home ministry’s Cyber Crime Coordination Centre. The NTA is closely monitoring the situation and has said it will take strict action against those attempting to mislead candidates or disrupt the examination process.
The agency said that circulating such false information will have severe repercussions under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, which involves stringent punishments against those convicted.
Also read: NTA to be restructured in 2025, to focus only on entrance exams: Dharmendra Pradhan
The NEET UG 2025 test, which is being held on May 4, will be conducted in over 5,000 centres of over 550 cities in India.
Meanwhile, students and parents have been warned that they should not believe these leak-related rumours or posts. According to the NTA, these false claims were misleading aspirants and creating confusion.