India Blocks Telegram Nationwide Until June 22 Over NEET Cheating Concerns
India has ordered internet providers to block Telegram until June 22 after alleged cheating rackets used the platform ahead of the NEET re-exam.
The Indian government has directed telecom and internet service providers to block access to the Telegram messaging app across the country until June 22, 2025.
The order, issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, cites Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, which allows the state to block public access to any online content in the interest of public order or security.
According to the National Testing Agency (NTA), criminal groups allegedly used Telegram to defraud candidates ahead of the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) medical entrance re-examination, scheduled for June 21.
- The NTA said cheating rackets exploited Telegram to leak papers or scam candidates.
- The re-exam was ordered after earlier irregularities were reported in the main NEET exam.
- The block applies to all Indian telecom operators and internet service providers.
Telegram has not publicly commented on the restriction. The app is widely used in India for both personal and group communications.