New Delhi, June 16: In a significant move aimed at ensuring the integrity of national-level examinations, the Central Government has directed technology giants Google and Apple to temporarily remove the messaging platform Telegram from their respective app stores. The decision comes amid concerns that the application was allegedly being used by individuals and groups involved in examination malpractice related to the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET).

According to official sources, the government has imposed a temporary restriction on Telegram until June 22, shortly after the NEET re-examination scheduled for June 21. Authorities believe that several Telegram channels were actively involved in circulating misleading information, offering leaked question papers, and facilitating communication among individuals attempting to gain unfair advantages during the examination process.

The move follows months of controversy surrounding the NEET examination, which witnessed allegations of paper leaks and irregularities in multiple states. The issue led to widespread public concern and prompted authorities to intensify efforts to prevent any recurrence of such incidents during the upcoming re-test.

Government officials stated that repeated attempts were made to curb the spread of objectionable and examination-related content on the platform. However, concerns remained over the continued availability of channels allegedly promoting examination fraud. As a result, authorities decided to take stricter action in the interest of maintaining fairness and transparency in the examination system.

The temporary ban has been implemented under provisions of India's Information Technology regulations, which empower the government to restrict access to online platforms when deemed necessary for public interest and security. Officials described the action as a preventive measure designed to safeguard the credibility of one of the country's most important competitive examinations.

The National Testing Agency (NTA), responsible for conducting NEET, has been working closely with law enforcement agencies and cybersecurity experts to identify and monitor online activities linked to examination malpractice. Authorities believe that limiting access to platforms allegedly facilitating such activities will help reduce the risk of further misconduct.

Meanwhile, the decision has sparked debate among technology experts, digital rights advocates, and civil society groups. Critics argue that blocking an entire communication platform may affect millions of genuine users who rely on Telegram for educational discussions, professional communication, business operations, and community engagement. They contend that stronger monitoring and targeted enforcement against offending channels could have been considered as an alternative.

Supporters of the government's decision, however, maintain that extraordinary measures are sometimes necessary to protect the integrity of examinations that impact the future of millions of students. They argue that preventing the spread of leaked materials and ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates should remain a top priority.

Reports indicate that both Google and Apple have been instructed to comply with the government's directive by removing Telegram from their app marketplaces during the restriction period. Telecommunications operators have also reportedly been advised to take steps to limit access to the platform.

As the NEET re-examination approaches, authorities remain focused on conducting a fair and transparent process. The temporary restriction on Telegram is expected to remain in effect until after the examination concludes, after which the government will review the situation and determine further action.

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