India blocks Telegram ahead of rescheduled medical entrance exams amid leak fears

India has restricted access to the Telegram messaging app from June 17 to June 22, the period for rescheduled medical entrance exams. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology issued the order to curb organized cheating rings that allegedly use the platform to defraud students.

This measure follows the cancellation of the National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET) in May. The NEET exam, one of India's most competitive, attracts over 2 million aspiring doctors annually. Allegations of exam paper leaks, reportedly distributed via Telegram channels, led to widespread public anger and protests demanding the education minister's resignation.

In addition to the Telegram restrictions, the feature allowing message editing will remain limited until June 30. The National Testing Agency (NTA), responsible for the exams, stated these actions are for the "public order" and to combat fraudulent activities targeting students.

The intense competition for medical school admissions has created a fertile ground for cheating operations. Authorities have arrested a chemistry lecturer, allegedly involved in the NTA's exam process, as the suspected mastermind behind the paper leaks.

To further address concerns, the Ministry of Education launched a website on June 16 for citizens to report suspicious activities related to the NEET exam. The Indian Air Force has also been mobilized to transport exam papers via helicopter to prevent any further leaks.

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Both these measures are being taken in the interest of public order, to deal with the use of the platform by organised cheating rackets to defraud candidates.