New
Delhi: India has blocked the Telegram messaging app until June 22, saying
the platform has been used to "defraud candidates" taking the medical
entrance examination, the Ministry of Education said in a statement on Tuesday.
The
restriction was issued under a stringent provision of the IT law empowering the
government to block access to online sites in the "interest of sovereignty
and integrity of India." The measure was taken in response to the
organised use of the platform by cheating rackets to defraud candidates
appearing for the NEET 2026 re-examination scheduled for June 21, according to
the National Testing Agency.
Last month, the Indian government cancelled the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test after authorities discovered its questions had been leaked beforehand, with a fresh examination scheduled for June 21. Telegram did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
