Telegram Restored on Google Play Store After Temporary NEET-UG Related Restriction
Telegram has been restored on the Google Play Store in India after a temporary restriction linked to concerns over exam-related misinformation and fraud during the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination.
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The central government had imposed a temporary ban on the Telegram app across the country ahead of the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination but the app has now been restored on the Google Play Store in India.
From June 16 to June 22, the messaging platform was suspended after the National Testing Agency (NTA) flagged concerns about alleged misuse of Telegram by organised cheating networks. Authorities alleged that the platform was being used to disseminate false information, fake question papers and illegal answer keys associated with the high-stakes medical entrance exam.
NEET-UG re-examination was held on June 21 and the temporary restriction was imposed as a precautionary measure to stop misinformation and protect candidates from fraud during the examination period.
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Telegram Restored:
Reports said officials tagged Telegram as one of the channels used to spread false claims and take advantage of students preparing for the exam. This restriction resulted in the app being removed from the Google Play Store in India and no new downloads during the period.
The move comes amid increased scrutiny of examination processes after recent controversies around alleged irregularities and paper leak concerns. The move was taken to ensure a fair and safe environment for testing and to curb organised groups from exploiting candidates through digital platforms, authorities said.
Also Read: India Temporarily Restricts Telegram Ahead of NEET-UG 2026 Re-Exam
The officials said the move was a temporary and targeted intervention linked to the NEET-UG examination cycle and not a permanent ban. The government said its aim was to preserve the integrity of the examination process, not to indefinitely restrict access to the platform.
After the re-examination, Telegram is now available on the Google Play Store and users in India will be able to download and access the app without any restrictions.
The restoration signals that authorities no longer view the platform as posing an immediate risk to the examination process following the completion of the test.
At the same time, officials reiterated that strict action would continue against individuals or groups involved in cheating, spreading misinformation or attempting to defraud students through digital channels. The development reflects the government's increasing focus on tackling exam-related fraud as encrypted messaging platforms become more widely used for coordinated malpractice.
