Days before the NEET UG 2026 re-examination, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced a series of stringent measures aimed at preventing online scams, fake paper leak claims and misinformation targeting students. The steps, taken in coordination with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), are intended to safeguard the integrity of the medical entrance examination scheduled for June 21.
Temporary Curbs on Telegram Announced
As part of the anti-fraud drive, access to Telegram in India will remain temporarily restricted until June 22. Authorities have also directed the platform to suspend its message-editing function for existing posts in India until June 30.
According to the NTA, the restrictions are designed to stop fraudsters from exploiting students through fabricated claims of leaked question papers and other misleading examination-related content circulating online.
Fake Paper Leak Networks Under Scanner
The agency said several Telegram channels and groups had been operating by falsely claiming access to the NEET UG 2026 question paper. These groups allegedly sought money from students and parents in exchange for so-called leaked examination material and promises of assured success.
Investigators identified multiple channels that were reportedly being used to spread such claims and lure aspirants into scams. The NTA reiterated that no person, institution or digital platform has access to the examination paper before the test is officially conducted, warning candidates that any such claim should be treated as fraudulent.
Cybercrime Agencies Intensify Action
The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), functioning under the Ministry of Home Affairs, has been working with the NTA and state police departments to tackle exam-related cyber fraud.
Based on intelligence inputs from enforcement agencies in states including Bihar, Gujarat and Rajasthan, authorities have reportedly taken down numerous Telegram groups, channels and automated bots linked to misleading NEET-related content. Officials said the latest restrictions were introduced after finding that individual takedowns alone were not sufficient to curb the widespread misuse of the platform.
State-level investigations have also led to enforcement action. Authorities in Bihar had earlier cautioned students against believing claims of advance access to question papers, while cybercrime investigators in Ahmedabad reportedly dismantled an interstate network accused of running multiple examination scam channels.
Why Message Editing Has Been Disabled
Officials said the decision to suspend Telegram’s message-editing feature stems from concerns over the creation of fake evidence of paper leaks.
In previous instances, administrators allegedly edited older posts after examinations had concluded, inserting actual question papers or answer keys while retaining the original posting timestamp. Screenshots of these altered messages were then circulated online to falsely suggest that the papers had been leaked before the examination.
By disabling the feature temporarily, authorities hope to prevent the spread of such manipulated content in the days surrounding the NEET re-examination.
NTA Appeals to Students to Ignore Rumours
The NTA acknowledged that the restrictions may inconvenience genuine users but stressed that the measures are temporary and focused solely on protecting the examination process.
Candidates have been advised to avoid engaging with suspicious offers, ignore rumours regarding paper leaks and rely only on official notifications issued through NTA platforms and the NEET website. The agency also urged students and parents to report any fraudulent approaches or cybercrime-related activity through the National Cyber Crime Helpline or the official reporting portal.
With the examination approaching, officials have called on aspirants to concentrate on their preparation and remain vigilant against misinformation, emphasizing that ensuring a fair and transparent examination remains the agency’s top priority.
