Just hours before the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination, a bizarre admit card mix-up involving a student from Nagpur sparked outrage online, raised fresh questions about the National Testing Agency's preparedness and handed critics another example of the examination body's ongoing credibility crisis. The National Testing Agency (NTA) is set to conduct a re-examination of the 2026 NEET-UG exam on June 22 (Sunday) after the test was cancelled on May 3 due to a damning paper leak.<h2>From Nagpur to Abu Dhabi: NEET exam centre controversy explodes before re-examination</h2>The controversy began when a NEET aspirant from Nagpur downloaded his revised admit card and discovered that his examination centre had been allotted not in Maharashtra, but in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.The student had earlier appeared at a centre in Nagpur during the original NEET-UG examination conducted on May 3. Following the cancellation of the exam over the paper leak scandal and the announcement of a re-test, he expected to receive a centre in or around his home city.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/neet-re-exam-fresh-scam-surfaces-despite-telegram-ban-rajasthan-youth-arrested-for-selling-fake-papers-1781937484501">NEET re-exam: Rajasthan youth arrested for selling fake papers on Telegram; Fresh scam surfaces despite app ban</a>Instead, the new admit card listed Abu Dhabi Indian School in the UAE.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">NEET aspirant Abdullah Mohammad Talib has been allotted an exam centre in Abu Dhabi, UAE, for the NEET-UG re-examination scheduled for June 21 <a href="https://t.co/z1vWFXjap7">pic.twitter.com/z1vWFXjap7</a>&mdash; IANS (@ians_india) <a href="https://x.com/ians_india/status/2068202521651527984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

According to the family, the candidate had selected Nagpur as his first preference during registration, followed by Wardha and Bhandara. The unexpected overseas allocation left them stunned."We are completely unable to send our child abroad for the exam. He does not even have a passport, and there is no time left to make travel arrangements," his father Mohammad Talib said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Nagpur, Maharashtra: Mohammad Talib, father of NEET aspirant Abdullah Mohammad Talib, has claimed that his son was allotted an exam centre in Abu Dhabi, UAE, for the NEET-UG re-examination scheduled for June 21, despite having preferred centres in Nagpur, Wardha, and Bhandara.… <a href="https://t.co/8PqCpbNq7X">pic.twitter.com/8PqCpbNq7X</a>&mdash; IANS (@ians_india) <a href="https://x.com/ians_india/status/2068201271526646029?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Online controversy explodes</h2>The incident quickly gained traction on social media, with students, parents and political leaders questioning how such an error could occur during a high-stakes examination already under intense scrutiny.<h2>Rahul Gandhi slams NTA: 'Just testing the patience of the country's children and their parents'</h2>Congress leader Rahul Gandhi seized on the controversy, arguing that it reflected deeper problems within India's examination system. In a post on X, the Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LOP) said, "No passport, no money in the family to send him abroad, and no time left now. He cried all night and is refusing to take the exam--what kind of stress is this, can you even imagine?"

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">नागपुर का एक बच्चा एक महीने से NEET re-exam की तैयारी कर रहा था। कल परीक्षा से ठीक एक दिन पहले उसने admit card डाउनलोड किया। उसका सेंटर निकला - अबू धाबी। न पासपोर्ट, न परिवार के पास विदेश भेजने के पैसे, न अब कोई वक़्त बचा है। वो रातभर रोता रहा, और परीक्षा देने से ही मना कर रहा… <a href="https://t.co/TJOHUBnFDB">https://t.co/TJOHUBnFDB</a>&mdash; Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://x.com/RahulGandhi/status/2068207232475594802?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Referring to the student's ordeal, Gandhi said no candidate should have to face such uncertainty a day before a crucial national examination. "How did this even happen? Yesterday, no student should have had any complaint about not being able to reach their center. The NTA is actually just testing the patience of the country's children and their parents," he said."A system that can't provide a center in a child's own city but can send them abroad instead--it has no right to conduct exams," he added, slamming the NTA.<h2>NTA allots new centre to student</h2>As criticism mounted, the NTA moved to contain the fallout. NTA Director General Abhishek Singh later confirmed that the issue had been resolved and attributed the mix-up to a technical glitch in the system."The issue has been resolved, and the candidate has now been allotted a centre in Nagpur," Singh told ANI.The incident comes at a sensitive moment for the NTA, which has spent weeks trying to reassure students that the June 21 re-examination will be conducted smoothly after the original test was scrapped following allegations of a coordinated paper leak.

A bizarre admit card error has handed critics of the NTA fresh ammunition ahead of the NEET-UG 2026 re-exam. A student from Nagpur, who appeared for the original test in Maharashtra, was unexpectedly allotted an examination centre in Abu Dhabi on his revised admit card.

Just hours before the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination, a bizarre admit card mix-up involving a student from Nagpur sparked outrage online, raised fresh questions about the National Testing Agency's preparedness and handed critics another example of the examination body's ongoing credibility crisis. The National Testing Agency (NTA) is set to conduct a re-examination of the 2026 NEET-UG exam on June 22 (Sunday) after the test was cancelled on May 3 due to a damning paper leak. From Nagpur to Abu Dhabi: NEET exam centre controversy explodes before re-examination The controversy began when a NEET aspirant from Nagpur downloaded his revised admit card and discovered that his examination centre had been allotted not in Maharashtra, but in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The student had earlier appeared at a centre in Nagpur during the original NEET-UG examination conducted on May 3. Following the cancellation of the exam over the paper leak scandal and the announcement of a re-test, he expected to receive a centre in or around his home city. Also read | NEET re-exam: Rajasthan youth arrested for selling fake papers on Telegram; Fresh scam surfaces despite app ban Instead, the new admit card listed Abu Dhabi Indian School in the UAE.

A bizarre admit card error has handed critics of the NTA fresh ammunition ahead of the NEET-UG 2026 re-exam. A student from Nagpur, who appeared for the original test in Maharashtra, was unexpectedly allotted an examination centre in Abu Dhabi on his revised admit card.

Bizarre NEET admit card error: Aspirant gets Abu Dhabi centre instead of Nagpur, NTA blames 'technical glitch' after online outrage

With less than 24 hours to go before the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has rolled out what it describes as a "comprehensive security framework" to ensure the integrity of the national entrance test. The move comes after the original May 3 exam was scrapped amid allegations of a coordinated paper leak that triggered nationwide outrage and forced a re-test for nearly 23 lakh aspirants.To test its preparedness, the NTA will conduct a nationwide mock drill today (Saturday, Jun 20), reviewing everything from question paper transportation to candidate verification and centre-level security protocols.The examination will be held in pen-and-paper mode from 2 pm to 5:15 pm across 551 cities in India and 14 cities abroad. More than 22.79 lakh candidates are expected to appear for the test.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/telegram-banned-in-india-nta-clarifies-restrictions-on-messenger-app-ahead-of-neet-2026-re-exam-1781587210607">Telegram banned in India? NTA clarifies restrictions on messenger app ahead of NEET 2026 re-exam</a><h2>What new safeguards have been introduced by NTA?</h2>The agency, as per reports, has introduced multiple layers of security aimed at preventing any repeat of the controversy that derailed the original examination.Confidential examination materials (question papers) are being transported in GPS-enabled vehicles under police escort, while examination centres have been equipped with CCTV surveillance and real-time monitoring systems. Aadhaar-based biometric authentication has also been made mandatory, although candidates facing technical issues or fingerprint mismatches will be allowed entry after manual verification.More than two lakh personnel, including observers, invigilators, district officials and police personnel, have been deployed across 551 Indian cities and 14 overseas centres.The NTA has also taken the unusual step of temporarily restricting access to Telegram in India until June 22, arguing that the platform was being misused by cheating networks to circulate fake question papers and create fabricated evidence of leaks.To ensure candidates' convenience, examination centres have been equipped with adequate drinking water, sanitation facilities, electricity backup, fans and medical support. Additional biometric devices and trained staff have also been deployed to streamline verification procedures.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/emergency-nature-of-situation-justified-telegram-ban-delhi-hc-upholds-app-restriction-till-june-22-ahead-of-neet-re-exam-1781846378059">Emergency nature of situation justified Telegram ban: Delhi HC upholds app restriction till June 22 ahead of NEET re-exam</a><h2>How are students and parents reacting?</h2>Student reactions remain mixed. Many aspirants have welcomed the stricter measures, particularly the crackdown on Telegram. Several students told ANI that stronger monitoring was necessary to protect candidates who had spent months preparing for the examination. &nbsp;"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," a Delhi-based aspirant told the news agency.Others, however, remain unconvinced. Some students argued that restricting a single platform would not eliminate malpractice, especially when leaked material can quickly migrate to other social media networks. "... 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..." sn Indore based student said.A section of aspirants also pointed out that Telegram is widely used for legitimate study material and revision 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..." noted a student from Kota.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cockroach-janta-party-heads-to-delhi-s-jantar-mantar-again-for-protest-dipke-asks-supporters-to-bring-thali-and-chamach-here-s-why-neet-leak-1781927757065">Cockroach Janta Party heads to Jantar Mantar again; Dipke asks supporters to bring 'thali' and 'chamach'. Here's why</a><h2>What logistical challenges remain?</h2>Despite the heightened security, managing nearly 23 lakh candidates remains a massive challenge. Authorities would need to coordinate secure paper delivery, biometric verification, crowd management and emergency response across thousands of centres.Candidates have been advised to reach centres early and verify locations through admit cards rather than relying solely on navigation apps.Meanwhile, a bizarre case of a NEET aspirant being allotted an examination centre in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, despite opting for Nagpur as his preferred test city, has also come to light.<h2>Will these measures restore trust?</h2>This remains the biggest question. Recently, India has seen a massive wave of student protests, partially triggered by a satirical movement known as the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). The organisation launched by Abhijeet Dipke has already held protests that saw thousands take to the streets in Delhi, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Lucknow and Amritsar. The party, which has the resignation of Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Prasad among its primary demands, has scheduled another protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on Saturday (Jun 20) - the same day as the NEET re-examination nationwide mock drill. In an unusual request to his fellow 'cockroaches', <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cockroach-janta-party-heads-to-delhi-s-jantar-mantar-again-for-protest-dipke-asks-supporters-to-bring-thali-and-chamach-here-s-why-neet-leak-1781927757065">Dipke has asked supporters to carry ‘thalis’ and ‘chamach’ to the gathering.</a>Meanwhile, on social media, a surge of posts and videos claim that another paper leak is underway. NTA Director General Abhishek Singh has dismissed the recent social media claims of another paper leak as "fake" and insisted that question papers remain secure.&nbsp;

With nearly 23 lakh candidates set to appear for the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination on June 21, the NTA has launched its most extensive security operation yet, including GPS-tracked question papers, biometric verification, CCTV monitoring and a Telegram ban. But can it restore students' trust?

With less than 24 hours to go before the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has rolled out what it describes as a "comprehensive security framework" to ensure the integrity of the national entrance test. The move comes after the original May 3 exam was scrapped amid allegations of a coordinated paper leak that triggered nationwide outrage and forced a re-test for nearly 23 lakh aspirants. To test its preparedness, the NTA will conduct a nationwide mock drill today (Saturday, Jun 20), reviewing everything from question paper transportation to candidate verification and centre-level security protocols. The examination will be held in pen-and-paper mode from 2 pm to 5:15 pm across 551 cities in India and 14 cities abroad. More than 22.79 lakh candidates are expected to appear for the test. Also read | Telegram banned in India? NTA clarifies restrictions on messenger app ahead of NEET 2026 re-exam What new safeguards have been introduced by NTA? The agency, as per reports, has introduced multiple layers of security aimed at preventing any repeat of the controversy that derailed the original examination. Confidential examination materials (question papers) are being transported in GPS-enabled vehicles under police escort, while examination centres have been equipped with CCTV surveillance and real-time monitoring systems. Aadhaar-based biometric authentication has also been made mandatory, although candidates facing technical issues or fingerprint mismatches will be allowed entry after manual verification. More than two lakh personnel, including observers, invigilators, district officials and police personnel, have been deployed across 551 Indian cities and 14 overseas centres. The NTA has also taken the unusual step of temporarily restricting access to Telegram in India until June 22, arguing that the platform was being misused by cheating networks to circulate fake question papers and create fabricated evidence of leaks. To ensure candidates' convenience, examination centres have been equipped with adequate drinking water, sanitation facilities, electricity backup, fans and medical support. Additional biometric devices and trained staff have also been deployed to streamline verification procedures. Also read | Emergency nature of situation justified Telegram ban: Delhi HC upholds app restriction till June 22 ahead of NEET re-exam How are students and parents reacting? Student reactions remain mixed. Many aspirants have welcomed the stricter measures, particularly the crackdown on Telegram. Several students told ANI that stronger monitoring was necessary to protect candidates who had spent months preparing for the examination. "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," a Delhi-based aspirant told the news agency. Others, however, remain unconvinced. Some students argued that restricting a single platform would not eliminate malpractice, especially when leaked material can quickly migrate to other social media networks. "... 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..." sn Indore based student said. A section of aspirants also pointed out that Telegram is widely used for legitimate study material and revision 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..." noted a student from Kota. Also read | Cockroach Janta Party heads to Jantar Mantar again; Dipke asks supporters to bring 'thali' and 'chamach'. Here's why What logistical challenges remain? Despite the heightened security, managing nearly 23 lakh candidates remains a massive challenge. Authorities would need to coordinate secure paper delivery, biometric verification, crowd management and emergency response across thousands of centres. Candidates have been advised to reach centres early and verify locations through admit cards rather than relying solely on navigation apps. Meanwhile, a bizarre case of a NEET aspirant being allotted an examination centre in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, despite opting for Nagpur as his preferred test city, has also come to light. Will these measures restore trust? This remains the biggest question. Recently, India has seen a massive wave of student protests, partially triggered by a satirical movement known as the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). The organisation launched by Abhijeet Dipke has already held protests that saw thousands take to the streets in Delhi, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Lucknow and Amritsar. The party, which has the resignation of Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Prasad among its primary demands, has scheduled another protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on Saturday (Jun 20) - the same day as the NEET re-examination nationwide mock drill. In an unusual request to his fellow 'cockroaches', Dipke has asked supporters to carry ‘thalis’ and ‘chamach’ to the gathering. Meanwhile, on social media, a surge of posts and videos claim that another paper leak is underway. NTA Director General Abhishek Singh has dismissed the recent social media claims of another paper leak as "fake" and insisted that question papers remain secure.

With nearly 23 lakh candidates set to appear for the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination on June 21, the NTA has launched its most extensive security operation yet, including GPS-tracked question papers, biometric verification, CCTV monitoring and a Telegram ban. But can it restore students' trust?

NEET 2026 re-exam: NTA conducts nationwide mock drills, highlights new safeguards. Can it restore students' trust? | WION Decodes

Telegram on Friday (Jun 19) failed to secure relief from the Delhi High Court, which upheld the Centre's temporary ban on the messaging platform, imposed ahead of the NEET re-examination to curb the spread of leaked exam material and misinformation. Justice Tejas Karia dismissed Telegram's challenge to the government's blocking order and held that the Centre had acted within the framework of Section 69A of the Information Technology Act.<h2>Delhi HC finds Centre followed due process</h2>The Delhi HC said the exceptional circumstances surrounding the nationwide medical entrance examination justified immediate intervention. "After considering all the arguments, we find that given the emergency nature, the reasons supplied are sufficient and the government has followed the procedure under Section 69A," the court observed while refusing to interfere with the order.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ncert-mohenjodaro-dancing-girl-controversy-is-india-s-obsession-with-modesty-threatening-its-culture-1781607488366">NCERT Mohenjodaro Dancing Girl controversy: Is India's obsession with modesty threatening its culture?</a>Telegram had argued that the blocking order suffered from procedural flaws and lacked adequate reasoning. It also questioned whether Section 69A permits authorities to block an entire platform instead of specific content.&nbsp;The High Court rejected those arguments. Justice Karia held that both the original blocking order and the subsequent review conducted by the Review Committee reflected proper application of mind and contained sufficient reasons to justify the action. "The orders are well-founded and supported by reasons. The orders do not suffer from non-application of mind," the court said.<h2>Why did the Government of India block Telegram</h2>The GOI alleged that Telegram had become a key tool for organised cheating networks seeking to circulate leaked examination material and create panic around the NEET re-examination. According to the Centre, certain groups had allegedly exploited Telegram's features to spread fake claims of paper leaks and manipulate content in ways that could undermine confidence in the examination process.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/telegram-banned-in-india-nta-clarifies-restrictions-on-messenger-app-ahead-of-neet-2026-re-exam-1781587210607">Telegram banned in India? NTA clarifies restrictions on messenger app ahead of NEET 2026 re-exam</a>Appearing for the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that the restriction was preventive rather than punitive and was necessary to protect the integrity of a high-stakes national examination.<h2>Court rejects Telegram's proportionality argument</h2>Senior Advocate Dhruv Mehta, appearing for Telegram, argued that millions of users relied on the platform and that the alleged misconduct of a small number of users could not justify disabling access to the entire service.Telegram also told the court that it had cooperated with authorities and taken action against unlawful channels and groups whenever specific violations were identified. The company argued that less restrictive alternatives were available and that the order failed the constitutional test of proportionality. The High Court, however, sided with the government's position.Rejecting the proportionality challenge, the court held that the temporary nature of the restriction and the objective behind it made the measure reasonable. "The government's measures are least restrictive. It cannot be held that the order is disproportionate," the court said.<h2>Telegram ban to remain in force till June 22</h2>The High Court ultimately concluded that the statutory requirements under Section 69A had been met and that the temporary ban on Telegram will continue until June 22, covering the period of the NEET re-examination and its immediate aftermath.

Telegram suffered a major setback after the Delhi High Court refused to lift the Centre's temporary ban imposed ahead of the NEET 2026 re-examination. The court said the government had sufficient grounds to act in an emergency and found the restriction to be a proportionate measure.

Telegram on Friday (Jun 19) failed to secure relief from the Delhi High Court, which upheld the Centre's temporary ban on the messaging platform, imposed ahead of the NEET re-examination to curb the spread of leaked exam material and misinformation. Justice Tejas Karia dismissed Telegram's challenge to the government's blocking order and held that the Centre had acted within the framework of Section 69A of the Information Technology Act. Delhi HC finds Centre followed due process The Delhi HC said the exceptional circumstances surrounding the nationwide medical entrance examination justified immediate intervention. "After considering all the arguments, we find that given the emergency nature, the reasons supplied are sufficient and the government has followed the procedure under Section 69A," the court observed while refusing to interfere with the order. Also read | NCERT Mohenjodaro Dancing Girl controversy: Is India's obsession with modesty threatening its culture? Telegram had argued that the blocking order suffered from procedural flaws and lacked adequate reasoning. It also questioned whether Section 69A permits authorities to block an entire platform instead of specific content. The High Court rejected those arguments. Justice Karia held that both the original blocking order and the subsequent review conducted by the Review Committee reflected proper application of mind and contained sufficient reasons to justify the action. "The orders are well-founded and supported by reasons. The orders do not suffer from non-application of mind," the court said. Why did the Government of India block Telegram The GOI alleged that Telegram had become a key tool for organised cheating networks seeking to circulate leaked examination material and create panic around the NEET re-examination. According to the Centre, certain groups had allegedly exploited Telegram's features to spread fake claims of paper leaks and manipulate content in ways that could undermine confidence in the examination process. Also read | Telegram banned in India? NTA clarifies restrictions on messenger app ahead of NEET 2026 re-exam Appearing for the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that the restriction was preventive rather than punitive and was necessary to protect the integrity of a high-stakes national examination. Court rejects Telegram's proportionality argument Senior Advocate Dhruv Mehta, appearing for Telegram, argued that millions of users relied on the platform and that the alleged misconduct of a small number of users could not justify disabling access to the entire service. Telegram also told the court that it had cooperated with authorities and taken action against unlawful channels and groups whenever specific violations were identified. The company argued that less restrictive alternatives were available and that the order failed the constitutional test of proportionality. The High Court, however, sided with the government's position. Rejecting the proportionality challenge, the court held that the temporary nature of the restriction and the objective behind it made the measure reasonable. "The government's measures are least restrictive. It cannot be held that the order is disproportionate," the court said. Telegram ban to remain in force till June 22 The High Court ultimately concluded that the statutory requirements under Section 69A had been met and that the temporary ban on Telegram will continue until June 22, covering the period of the NEET re-examination and its immediate aftermath.

Telegram suffered a major setback after the Delhi High Court refused to lift the Centre's temporary ban imposed ahead of the NEET 2026 re-examination. The court said the government had sufficient grounds to act in an emergency and found the restriction to be a proportionate measure.

Emergency nature of situation justified Telegram ban: Delhi HC upholds app restriction till June 22 ahead of NEET re-exam

Days before the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination on June 21, India has temporarily banned the Telegram messenger app. Welcoming the government's decision, the National Testing Agency (NTA) accused the messaging platform of being used by cheating networks to spread misinformation and fabricate claims of paper leaks.<h2>Telegram to be permanently banned in India?</h2>No, Telegram Messenger won't be permanently banned in India. In a statement issued on Tuesday (Jun 16), the NTA said authorities had imposed two temporary restrictions on Telegram in India following recommendations made by the agency.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-compensation-to-age-relaxation-cockroach-janata-party-reveals-5-new-demands-at-pune-protest-details-1781230600749">From compensation to age relaxation: Cockroach Janata Party reveals 5 new demands at Pune protest | Details</a>The first measure restricts access to Telegram in India until June 22, covering the day of the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination and its immediate aftermath. The second requires the platform to disable its message-editing feature for already posted messages in India until June 30.<h2>Why has GOI blocked Telegram?</h2>According to the NTA, the move is aimed at tackling a specific problem that has emerged in relation to national examinations. The agency alleged that some groups have exploited Telegram's editing feature to alter old messages after an exam has taken place, creating misleading "evidence" that question papers had been leaked in advance.The agency said the restrictions were introduced in the interest of public order and to counter organised efforts by cheating rackets targeting NEET candidates.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/neet-ug-paper-leak-scandal-army-may-help-conduct-re-exam-for-first-time-suggest-reports-1780025143224">NEET-UG paper leak scandal: Army may help conduct re-exam for first time, suggest reports</a>"The 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," the agency said.&nbsp;The NTA also thanked the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology for what it described as timely intervention ahead of the June 21 examination. "The directions are a measure of last resort, taken only after intermediate remedies, including the take-down action coordinated by I4C, had been pursued and had not produced, at the platform level, the response required to protect candidates in the run-up to the examination," the statement added. &nbsp;

Ahead of the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination on June 21, India has imposed temporary restrictions on Telegram. The NTA says the platform was being used to spread misinformation and false paper leak claims. All you need to know.

Days before the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination on June 21, India has temporarily banned the Telegram messenger app. Welcoming the government's decision, the National Testing Agency (NTA) accused the messaging platform of being used by cheating networks to spread misinformation and fabricate claims of paper leaks. Telegram to be permanently banned in India? No, Telegram Messenger won't be permanently banned in India. In a statement issued on Tuesday (Jun 16), the NTA said authorities had imposed two temporary restrictions on Telegram in India following recommendations made by the agency. Also read | From compensation to age relaxation: Cockroach Janata Party reveals 5 new demands at Pune protest | Details The first measure restricts access to Telegram in India until June 22, covering the day of the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination and its immediate aftermath. The second requires the platform to disable its message-editing feature for already posted messages in India until June 30. Why has GOI blocked Telegram? According to the NTA, the move is aimed at tackling a specific problem that has emerged in relation to national examinations. The agency alleged that some groups have exploited Telegram's editing feature to alter old messages after an exam has taken place, creating misleading "evidence" that question papers had been leaked in advance. The agency said the restrictions were introduced in the interest of public order and to counter organised efforts by cheating rackets targeting NEET candidates. Also read | NEET-UG paper leak scandal: Army may help conduct re-exam for first time, suggest reports "The 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," the agency said. The NTA also thanked the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology for what it described as timely intervention ahead of the June 21 examination. "The directions are a measure of last resort, taken only after intermediate remedies, including the take-down action coordinated by I4C, had been pursued and had not produced, at the platform level, the response required to protect candidates in the run-up to the examination," the statement added.

Ahead of the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination on June 21, India has imposed temporary restrictions on Telegram. The NTA says the platform was being used to spread misinformation and false claims about paper leaks. All you need to know.

Telegram banned in India? NTA clarifies restrictions on messenger app ahead of NEET 2026 re-exam

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Bizarre NEET admit card error: Aspirant gets Abu Dhabi centre instead of Nagpur, NTA blames 'technical glitch' after online outrage

NEET 2026 re-exam: 23 lakh students, one question: Can NTA prevent another leak?

NEET re-exam: Delhi HC rejects Telegram's challenge to temporary ban

Telegram banned in India? NTA clarifies restrictions ahead of NEET 2026 re-exam