Telegram Temporarily Blocked in India Over Exam Fraud Allegations

PNN News Desk | India

India has temporarily suspended the operations of the popular messaging app Telegram following allegations of question paper leaks and cheating related to a national medical entrance examination. Authorities said organized groups were using the platform to facilitate exam fraud.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) under the Ministry of Education of India stated that the suspension will remain in effect until June 22, in an effort to prevent irregularities ahead of the rescheduled medical entrance exam on June 21.

Recently, major controversy erupted over the NEET medical entrance exam after allegations of question paper leaks. Following investigations, authorities cancelled the results and decided to conduct a fresh examination, affecting nearly 2.3 million students.

Officials involved in the investigation claim that some Telegram channels were used to offer access to exam papers in exchange for money. However, the names of these channels have not been disclosed.

The exam scandal and cancellation of results triggered protests in several parts of India, with demands for transparency and accountability in the education system.

The government issued the restriction under a special provision of the Information Technology Act, which allows limitations on online platforms in cases involving national security and public interest.

Telegram founder Pavel Durov criticized the decision, saying that millions of ordinary users are being affected while real offenders are not being effectively targeted. He also argued that fraudsters may simply shift to other platforms.

Digital rights organizations have also expressed concern, stating that blocking an entire platform may not be a permanent solution. They emphasized identifying and addressing the root causes of exam leaks.

The Indian government, however, said that despite earlier measures, the expected results were not achieved, making this step necessary as a last resort.

Following the directive, Telegram has become inaccessible across various networks in India, and there are reports that it is being temporarily removed from mobile app stores as well.

Experts say that in one of the world’s largest education systems, ensuring exam security now requires not only technological measures but also stronger administrative capacity.