India has ordered a temporary nationwide block on Telegram until June 22, citing concerns that the messaging platform is being used to carry out exam fraud targeting students preparing for a major medical entrance re-test. The decision was announced by the National Testing Agency (NTA), which oversees the National Eligibility Entrance Test (Undergraduate), widely known as NEET (UG).
The NTA said the action is aimed at stopping fraud networks from using Telegram to sell fake exam papers and spread false information ahead of the June 21 re-examination. The restrictions also include a directive for Telegram to disable its message-editing feature until June 30, which authorities say has been misused to create fake evidence of exam paper leaks after tests have already been conducted.
“Both measures have been taken in the interest of public order, in response to the organized use of the platform by cheating rackets to defraud candidates appearing for the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination,” the agency said.
The order was issued under Section 69A of India’s Information Technology Act, which allows the government to block online platforms and content deemed harmful to public order or national security. Officials argue that limiting access to Telegram during this period will reduce opportunities for scams even if enforcement does not fully eliminate the networks behind them.
Telegram CEO Pavel Durov criticized the decision, arguing that the restriction would unfairly affect millions of legitimate users rather than those responsible for spreading fake exam materials. Durov also questioned the effectiveness of the ban, saying that blocking the app would not solve the underlying issue. He added that “the leaks just moved to other apps.”
In a follow-up post on his Telegram channel, Durov said the company had already taken action by removing hundreds of channels linked to exam leaks and fraud operations in India. He also noted that Telegram had made its “edited” label more visible to help prevent users from being misled by altered or backdated messages.
He further alleged that some Indian users were experiencing disruptions outside the country due to routing issues involving telecom infrastructure, though the claim has not been independently verified. Reliance, the telecom operator mentioned, has not responded publicly to the allegation.
The ban has also drawn strong criticism from digital rights groups. The Internet Freedom Foundation described the move as excessive, arguing that shutting down an entire platform goes beyond what is necessary to address exam fraud.
“Shutting down Telegram is a band aid solution and a disproportionate answer to exam fraud,” the group said in a statement.
Responding to criticism, NTA Director General Abhishek Singh defended the decision, saying that many fraudulent channels operate using VPNs or from outside India, making direct enforcement difficult. However, he argued that reducing access would still limit the number of students exposed to scams.
“Even though they can continue operating the channels, if there is no clientele, the fraud will be prevented, and the students will be protected,” Singh told local media.
The restrictions come after NEET (UG) was hit by a major paper leak scandal last month, which triggered a federal investigation and renewed pressure on exam authorities to strengthen security around national testing systems.
India remains Telegram’s largest global market, with an estimated 354 million monthly active users and nearly 600 million downloads since its launch, according to Sensor Tower. Despite the government order, the app was still partially accessible to some users at the time of reporting, while its editing features appeared to remain functional in certain regions.
Google has reportedly removed Telegram from its Play Store in India following the announcement, although official confirmation from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has not yet been provided.
