Students welcome NTA's move to temporarily restrict Telegram ahead of the NEET-UG 2026 re-exam, calling it a positive step but also demanding a full investigation into the original paper leak and regulation of other social media platforms.
Students Welcome Move, Demand Deeper Probe
Ahead of the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination, students have welcomed the National Testing Agency's (NTA) decision to temporarily restrict access to Telegram, terming the move a positive step while reiterating their demand for a thorough investigation into the paper leak that affected the initial examination held on May 3. A Delhi-based aspirant described the NTA's decision as a positive move and called for a thorough investigation into the NEET-UG paper leak. "This is a good step, but the main focus should be on the root cause. Those who indulge in leaking examination papers should be identified," the aspirant told ANI.
Monika, a student from Indore, advocated for restrictions on other social media platforms to help prevent paper leaks in the future. "... Students work extremely hard to crack these exams... The government's ban on Telegram until exams end is right, as leaks spread fast online. Other such platforms could also be restricted for a limited time to stop paper leaks..." Monika told ANI.
Students from Rajasthan's Kota also expressed similar sentiments. One student called for the joint regulation of other social media platforms to prevent similar paper leaks. "... They've taken a good step. After the paper leak, the NTA's move may go well. The government and NTA should also act jointly to regulate other social media platforms," a student said.
Another student from Kota, however, expressed scepticism regarding the move, arguing that a restriction on Telegram alone would have a limited impact, as many aspirants rely on the platform to access free study resources. "... Other social media platforms should also be monitored, with strict checks. The NTA should be aware of this. Simply banning Telegram won't help much, as many students use it for free study resources..." the student told ANI.
NTA's Rationale Behind the Ban
Earlier, the National Testing Agency (NTA) restricted access to the Telegram platform in India for a defined and limited period ending 22 June 2026, covering the day of the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination and its immediate aftermath. The restriction addresses the specific structural feature through which the platform has been used to fabricate after-the-event "paper leak" evidence in respect of national examinations.
According to the NTA, the platform-level restriction comes under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000. Alongside the temporary block, MeitY directed Telegram to disable its message-editing feature in India for messages already posted, a rule that remains in force until 30 June 2026.
The NTA stated that cheating networks actively used these platform features to defraud candidates appearing for the re-examination scheduled on 21 June 2026. "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," the NTA added. (ANI)
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)