Telegram restored on Play Store after temporary India block during NEET-UG re-exam

Telegram has been restored on the Google Play Store in India after a temporary nationwide block imposed by the central government ahead of the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination.The messaging platform was restricted from June 16 to June 22 following concerns raised by the National Testing Agency (NTA), which alleged that organised cheating networks were using Telegram to mislead candidates and circulate fraudulent content linked to the exam. The re-examination for NEET-UG was conducted on June 21.According to media reports, authorities flagged the platform as a conduit for sharing fake question papers, unauthorised answer keys and misleading claims targeting students preparing for the high-stakes medical entrance test. The temporary suspension was introduced as a precautionary measure to curb the spread of misinformation and prevent candidates from being defrauded during the exam period.The block effectively removed Telegram from the Google Play Store and limited its accessibility during the specified window, restricting new downloads across the country. The move came amid heightened scrutiny of the examination process following earlier controversies over alleged irregularities and paper leaks, prompting authorities to take stricter preventive steps.Also read: Telegram’s ad business: How the messaging app makes moneyOfficials clarified that the decision was not a blanket ban on the platform but a time-bound action linked specifically to the exam cycle. The government’s focus remained on ensuring a fair and secure testing environment, particularly in light of concerns around digital platforms being used by organised groups to exploit students during critical academic milestones.With the conclusion of the re-examination process, the restriction was lifted and Telegram was reinstated on the Play Store, allowing users to once again download and access the app without limitations. The restoration indicates that authorities no longer consider the platform to pose an immediate risk to the examination process following the completion of the test.Officials also reiterated that the integrity of the NEET-UG examination remains intact and warned that strict legal action would be taken against individuals or groups found engaging in cheating, spreading misinformation or attempting to defraud candidates through digital channels. The government has increasingly focused on tightening controls around exam-related fraud, especially as encrypted messaging platforms become tools for coordinated malpractice.