Why Is Telegram Still Not Working in India Despite the End of NEET UG 2026 Re-Exam Restrictions?

Telegram remains inaccessible for many users in India despite the completion of the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination and the scheduled end of temporary restrictions imposed ahead of the exam. The messaging platform was expected to resume normal operations on June 22, a day after the court-mandated re-test, but users continue to report outages across mobile and Wi-Fi networks.

The restrictions were introduced on June 16 at the request of the National Testing Agency (NTA) as part of efforts to prevent the spread of alleged leaked examination papers and exam-related scams. While the temporary nationwide ban was originally set to expire on June 22, Telegram services remain largely unavailable, and the app is still absent from both Google Play and the App Store in India. When Will Telegram Be Restored in India?

Telegram Still Not Working in India: Ban Continues

As of June 22, users who already had Telegram installed on their devices reported being unable to access messages, channels, and other services offered by the platform.

Neither Telegram nor Indian authorities have provided an official update explaining why access issues continue beyond the expected deadline. Many users have turned to virtual private networks (VPNs) to regain access to the service. Telegram Ban in India: Users Flock to VPNs and Alternative Apps as Government Blocks Platform Over Exam Fraud Concerns, Says Report.

The continued disruption has fueled uncertainty among Telegram's large user base, particularly students, businesses, content creators, and communities that rely on the platform for communication.

Telegram Ban in India Linked to NEET Paper Leak Controversy

The restrictions stem from the wider NEET examination controversy that led to the cancellation of the original test and a court-ordered re-examination involving more than 22 lakh students.

Authorities alleged that organised cheating networks and fraudsters were using Telegram channels to advertise and sell purported leaked examination papers. Officials said many of these materials were fake but created panic among students preparing for the exam.

The government argued that limiting access to Telegram was necessary to prevent misinformation and protect the integrity of the re-examination process.

NTA Director General Abhishek Singh defended the move, stating: "We were 100% sure that the papers are safe… What these platforms were doing was… sending a fake perception of a leak which adds to the mental stress and trauma of students… [and] encouraging fraudsters into fooling people with fake question papers."

According to Singh, authorities considered the restriction a last-resort measure after discussions with Telegram failed to stop misleading channels quickly enough. He added that more than 200 Telegram channels had been blocked, but fraudulent activity continued.

The Delhi High Court upheld the government's decision under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act. The court ruled that the temporary restriction was a proportionate emergency response and followed due process requirements aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the national medical entrance examination.

Telegram challenged the decision, arguing that the restrictions affected more than 150 million legitimate users in India. The company maintained that it had removed hundreds of problematic channels, but the court ultimately sided with the Centre.

Apart from the Telegram restrictions, authorities implemented several security measures for the NEET-UG 2026 re-test. These included assistance from the Indian Air Force for transporting examination papers, lockdown protocols for paper setters, and multi-layered monitoring systems designed to prevent leaks and malpractice.

The NTA described the re-examination process as "as error-free and as flawless as it can be" with "zero tolerance for any malpractice."

At present, there is no official timeline for the full restoration of Telegram services in India. While the temporary ban period has ended, users continue to report access problems and the platform remains unavailable through official app stores. Until authorities or Telegram provide further clarification, uncertainty remains over when normal service will be restored for Indian users.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 23, 2026 07:44 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).