Telegram has reappeared on the Google Play Store in India after a week-long restriction linked to concerns over cheating during the NEET UG 2026 re-examination.
The temporary block, imposed between June 16 and June 22, was ordered by the Centre after the National Testing Agency (NTA) flagged the messaging platform’s alleged use by organised cheating networks targeting candidates appearing for the June 21 re-examination.
While Android users can once again access the app through the Play Store, restrictions on Telegram’s message-editing feature will continue until June 30. The application remained unavailable on Apple’s App Store on Tuesday.
Why Telegram was restricted during NEET UG 2026 re-exam
According to the NTA, the measures were sought to prevent cheating rackets from using the platform to mislead and defraud students during the re-examination process.
The agency had argued that organised groups were exploiting Telegram to circulate misleading information and target candidates ahead of the exam.
The restrictions were introduced following recommendations from the NTA and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
NEET re-exam completed without major irregularities
The NEET UG 2026 re-examination was conducted on June 21.
Authorities have so far reported no paper leak incidents or other major fraudulent activities linked to the test.
The government had maintained that the temporary curbs were necessary in the interest of public order during the examination period.
Delhi High Court had upheld Centre’s decision
Earlier this month, the Delhi High Court refused to interfere with the government’s decision to temporarily suspend Telegram’s services and disable its message-editing function.
The challenge had been filed by Telegram FZ LLC.
The court held that the Centre had followed the procedure laid down under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act while exercising emergency blocking powers. It also found that the restrictions met the requirement of proportionality.
“Given the emergency nature of the Impugned Order, the reasons supplied in arriving at the decision were sufficient. As Respondent No. 1 (Union government) has strictly followed the procedural steps as required under Section 69A of the IT Act, the challenge to the Impugned Order on the ground non-communication of reasons cannot be sustained,” the Delhi High Court said.
The court order came after the government acted on recommendations made by the NTA and the Ministry of Home Affairs.