India temporarily blocked the Telegram messaging app ahead of the NEET-UG 2026 retest scheduled for June 21, 2026. The NEET-UG exam had been cancelled earlier due to allegations of a question paper leak. Telegram challenged the government’s ban in the Delhi High Court.

Accounts differ on the duration of the block. One source reported that the Indian government ordered Telegram to remain blocked until June 22, 2026. Another source reported that the government ordered the block to last until Monday, the day of the retest. The retest is scheduled for June 21, meaning the end dates differ by one day.

According to Dawn, the block was ordered by India’s National Testing Agency (NTA) in response to groups using the platform to cheat. Dawn also reported that the message-editing feature on Telegram was restricted until June 30. According to The Hindu, the Indian government, through Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, alleged that several Telegram channels were being used to offer leaked examination questions in exchange for money.

According to FinancialExpress.com, Telegram founder Pavel Durov criticised the Indian government’s ban, saying it affects many users who are not involved in cheating and that exam leaks continued despite the ban. According to Al Jazeera, a viral youth satirical protest movement called the Cockroach Janta Party emerged following exam cancellations last month.