State: Applicable Across India

Year: 2026

Date: June 16, 2026

Source:

India has issued an order to block Telegram until June 22, citing concerns that fraudsters are using the messaging platform to target students ahead of a re-test of the country’s biggest entrance exam.

The move was announced on Tuesday by India’s National Testing Agency, which administers the National Eligibility Entrance Test (Undergraduate) (NEET [UG]), a medical college entrance exam taken by millions of students each year. The Agency said the restrictions were aimed at preventing people from using Telegram to sell fake exam papers and spread misinformation before the June 21 re-test of NEET.

Updated On: June 19, 2026

Delhi High court declines relief; upholds govt.'s decision for temporary ban

Delhi High court on Friday (June 19, 2026) declined to grant relief to Telegram, upholding govt.’s decision for temporary ban in view of the NEET re-examination.

The Centre defended its decision on Thursday (June 18) to suspend access to Telegram till June 22, contending that the platform had become a key tool for organised cheating networks involved in the alleged leakage and circulation of NEET examination material. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, told the court that the enterprise behind the messaging app had been repeatedly asked to proactively monitor and curb illegal and suspicious channels on the platform. However, Mr. Mehta said, the company failed to take any meaningful action.